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!
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. 
*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

Welcome to the Calistoga Wildcat Mentor Program

Wendy Garcia, Mentor Co-Coordinator ~

I could not be more excited to have you all on board with this wonderful program! 

​A little bit about myself, I was born and raised in Calistoga and graduated from Calistoga High in 2013. Then, I went off to pursue my Bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Barbara. Now, I am working as an Outreach Specialist for Adult Education at Santa Rosa Junior College and I am also the Mentor Coordinator for the College and Career Center. During my senior year, I remember sitting in Surber’s classroom freaking out because I did not fully understand what was being asked of me after I had received several acceptance letters. I had to take placement tests, submit financial aid paperwork, register for orientation and figure out my living situation. On top of that, I wasn’t sure what my parents would have to say about me wanting to move away. Needless to say, the entire process was daunting. 

Looking back, I can honestly say that, having a mentor to guide me and coach me through all of this would have certainly helped ease that anxiety, especially during my first year of college. Having a mentor would have helped me find tutors, access free printing and even a job on campus. I didn’t know this was even available to me until my last quarter of freshman year. In addition to being an incredible resource, mentors are motivators, encouragers and problem solvers. You will be your mentee’s #1 cheerleader!  Together we can ensure our Calistoga Wildcats don’t just get to college but through college.
Citlali Montañez, Mentor Co- 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 now the Mentor Co-Coordinator for the College and Career Center, 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 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.
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 Co-Coordinator: Wendy Garcia ~ wgarcia@calistogajusd.org
Mentor Co-Coordinator: Citlali Montañez ~  citlalimontanez@calistogajusd.org 
College & Career Center Coordinator: Carla Surber ~ csurber@calistogajusd.org