Volunteer Mentors in Project Launch inspire our students to pursue higher education and careers after high school. They assist  seniors in the many aspects of applying to colleges, scholarships, financial aid, and apprenticeships or job training programs. Project Launch is looking for enthusiastic individuals whose diverse perspectives and skills will bring inspiration and practical help to the lives of our seniors in high school. Mentors are selected based on their background and ability to commit to the relationship. Selected volunteers must attend a two-hour training and commit to one academic year of mentoring.
 
Becoming a Launch Mentor involves:
 

·         Application 

·         Interview process

·         Criminal background check

Check out two recent articles about our college bound grads!

·         'Sky is the limit' for RAW scholarship winner, August 10, 2011

·         Classical grad named Bank of America student leader,  August 24, 2011

Stats and Quotes from Project Launch 2010-11:
 

24 seniors from Raw Art Works were matched with 24 mentors. 

92% of the seniors applied to and were accepted into colleges for the fall of 2011!  

7 students have been awarded four-year renewable MERIT scholarships from various schools.
 

·         1 student won the POSSE Scholarship for Centre College in Kentucky for $42,500 per year for four years.

·         1 student won the YAWKEY scholarship for $17,778 per year for four years and received a scholarship of $5000 from the United Way

·         1 student was accepted into MIT and will be receiving $43,000 per year for four years.

·         1 was awarded Bank of America Student Leader award which included a summer internship and summit in Washington DC.

"Colleen is the first person in her family to apply to college so the support at home was minimal.  I was able to offer support, vision and focus.  I felt rewarded being a mentor-- to visit schools with Colleen and see her begin to dream.”  –      Nancy, Mentor Project Launch

"I came to America two years ago. In my country we have completely different process of applying  to college. I didn't know what to do and RAW’s Launch program helped me with all my college process. LAUNCH gave me the motivation to do better in school. I didn't know how I would have done it all if I didn't have someone to help me." -- Tatyana, graduating senior

If you are interested in becoming a Project Launch mentor - please e-mail Susannah at susannah@rawartwork.org.