Blair Elementary Mentor Partnership

Northwestern Michigan College has partnered with Blair Elementary School to pair 4th and 5th-graders with an NMC student mentor!

Learn More

• Mentors meet one-on-one with their mentee, a 4th or 5th-grade student at Blair Elementary, once per week for about 45 minutes.

• Blair Elementary is a Title 1 school, meaning that most of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch and may have less resources at home than the typical child. By serving as a mentor, NMC students help their 4th or 5th-grader to envision a bright future for themselves!

• In addition to gaining valuable skills and experiences, NMC students can earn Service Learning Hours which appear on their official transcript. Gas cards for travel reimbursement may be provided.

Become a mentor (currently seeking new mentors!)

• Getting Started

  • To let us know you are interested, fill out this mentor interest form. We will use it to pair you with a 4th or 5th-grader who has similar interests.
  • When you have finished the mentor interest form, please complete the TCAPS volunteer form.
  • Watch your NMC email for next steps!

• Training

  • A brief training session will be held to help you get orientated and answer any questions you have. Bridget Munroe will reach out to you with more information.
  • After you have completed the training, and have been cleared through the TCAPS volunteer form background check, you will receive your mentee match and be ready to meet your lucky 4th or 5th-grader.
  • If you have questions, please reach out to Bridget at bmunroe@nmc.edu.

• Returning Mentors

  • We are seeking returning mentors who are interested in taking on a leadership roles!
  • If you are a returning mentor, meaning you have been part of the Blair Mentor Partnership during a past school year, please fill out this Returning Mentor Form to provide us with feedback and indicate if you are interested in a leadership position.

Mentor Resources

• About your Mentoring Sessions

  • Mentoring will take place at Blair Elementary School, located at 1625 Sawyer Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685.
  • To prevent any trips to Blair when your student is absent, text Emily to confirm your student is present at (231) 633-0402.
  • Park in the large visitor lot located on the right side of the building (when viewing the front of the building).
  • Sign in at the front office on the NMC Mentor Sign-In Sheet, grab an NMC Mentor lanyard and proceed to your student's classroom to grab them.
  • On your first mentoring session, please ask the front desk staff to notify Emily Witte that you are there. Emily will help you find the mentor locker with games and supplies and your student's classroom. 

• Mentoring locations / Resources

  • Mentoring sessions can take place in the library, art room, gym, cafeteria or playground, as long as it is not being utilized by another class.
  • Games, art supplies, puzzles and more can be checked out from the NMC Mentor locker to be used with your mentee during mentoring sessions.
  • Reach out to Emily Witte with any questions at witteem@tcaps.net

• Frequently Asked Questions

  • Check out our FAQ page to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
  • Not finding the question on your mind? Please reach out to Bridget Munroe at bmunroe@nmc.edu or Emily Witte at witteem@tcaps.net