The goal of the program is to foster empowering youth relationships between recent immigrant mentees and their high school mentors. Recent immigrant mentees, referred to the program by our partnering middle schools, receive peer mentors to support them in their academic progress, prepare for the transition to high school, and adapt to life in the U.S. with a healthy biculturalism. Entrusted with the unique responsibilities found in their role as mentors, our high school volunteers build valuable communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills as mentors, preparing them for future success.

High school juniors and senior volunteers interested in U&I can apply to serve one school year as a mentor. Applications start at the beginning of the school year. After the interview and selection process, accepted mentors receive training about the program goals, expectations and responsibilities.

QPS middle school faculty chooses the mentees to participate in the program. There is an orientation session for the parents of the mentees in the fall. The program starts by late Fall after the U&I Mentoring Program Coordinator creates mentoring pairs through a matching process.