Mentors Make the Difference |
All Calistoga High School seniors are encouraged to participate in the Wildcat Mentor Program, whether they plan to go on to a 2-year, 4-year, vocational training program, trade school, or enter the workforce. Whatever comes next, mentors are here to support them!
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Why? We believe that each and every student in the Calistoga Joint Unified School District deserves the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential or college degree. Research shows that up to 40% of students who graduate high school with the intent of pursuing a postsecondary education don't follow through with their plans. Too many are simply overwhelmed by the many new demands they face: deadlines, documents, and other requirements they aren't prepared to meet. For first-generation college students, it can feel like they simply don't have the right "key" to unlock the opportunities they've worked so hard to reach.
How? Studies have also found that students who receive additional supports beginning in their final semester of high school, and extending into the summer and beginning of their postsecondary programs, are much more likely to enroll, attend, persist, and succeed. What? With a minimal time commitment*, mentors become taskmaster, resource, encourager and problem-solver, ensuring their mentees continue to succeed in pursuing their dreams and goals. |
Mentors help ensure that every Calistoga High School graduate has the opportunity to achieve their postsecondary educational and career goals.
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*Mentors can expect to spend between 2 and 5 hours per month supporting their mentee. More time will likely be required in the early stages, tapering off as mentees become more empowered and confident.
Resources
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Welcome to the Calistoga Wildcat Mentor ProgramCitlali Montañez, Mentor Coordinator
Hello everyone, and thank you for your interest in joining the Mentor/Mentee Program!! My name is Citlali, but some of you may know me as Cici. I grew up in Napa Valley and graduated from Calistoga Junior/Senior High School. I attended the University of California, Davis, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a minor in Chicana/o Studies. As the 10,000 Degrees Fellow at CJSHS and the Mentor Coordinator for the Wildcat Mentor Program, I am excited to be back in my community to support high school seniors with their post-secondary education. My senior year of high school was very hectic as I was balancing academics, community service, sports, and work. In addition to these tasks, the time had come for me to start my college applications, submit a financial aid application, and apply for scholarships. Being a first gen and not having anyone in your family undergo the process of applying to college can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming. Luckily, Mrs. Surber was my AVID teacher and assisted my parents and me through the entire process. During my time at UC Davis, I learned to seek out resources on campus and to stay in communication with my advisor to ensure I am on track with my graduation requirements. I also learned the importance of finding your community, whether that is joining a club, organization, or community center on campus. Having a mentor in high school and college is essential for students as they are making a huge transition. As a previous Wildcat Mentor, I was committed to supporting my mentees with their educational goals, guiding them toward accessing resources, and listening to their needs. I look forward to working together to prepare seniors for graduation and post-secondary education by fostering a college-going culture. If you are interested in volunteering as a Mentor, you may email me at citlalimontanez@calistogajusd.org Carla Surber, College & Career Center Coordinator ~
Calistoga High School has consistently succeeded in preparing students for acceptance to four-year universities. This has included not just successful completion of college entrance requirements and exams, but also financial aid applications. We’ve been able to do this by maintaining a highly successful Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, and by fully funding and staffing a College & Career Center. We are indeed fortunate to have these resources to serve our students, most of whom will be the first in their families to attend college. What we know, however, is that while preparing students for college acceptance is necessary, it is also insufficient. Research shows that first-generation college students are more likely to persist at and succeed in college when they are partnered with a mentor who can help them not just stay the course, but see themselves as college graduates engaged in a career they feel passionate about. The Calistoga Wildcats Mentor Program has been a goal now for several years, and launching it has become a reality thanks to a generous grant from our long-time partner NapaLearns, whose mission is to equip every student in Napa County with the skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and their community. We are so pleased that you have chosen to join us on this journey. Your commitment to share your time and experience with our Wildcat Scholars supports not only the individual students and their families in achieving their dreams, but it strengthens our community, as we work together to ensure that we prepare all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. |
Mentor Coordinator: Citlali Montañez ~ citlalimontanez@calistogajusd.org
College & Career Center Coordinator: Carla Surber ~ csurber@calistogajusd.org |
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