Official Site of The State of New Jersey

To become a NJ GEAR UP mentor you must be enrolled in college and doing well academically. Candidates must complete a mentor application and a state background check.

By becoming a GEAR UP mentor, you help GEAR UP students improve their academic performance and build self-esteem. You can gain satisfaction and fulfillment by helping youth who need your support and guidance. You will also add valuable experience to your resume and earn an hourly wage.

If you are a responsible person committed to helping youngsters pursue higher education and are in good academic standing, we welcome your application.

For Perspective Mentors:

• Mentor Application
• FAQ’s

NJ GEAR UP Mentoring is integral in building the capacity within students for long-term success. Mentors serve as models of the successful college experience and play an important role in enhancing a student’s educational expectations, and interpersonal development. Mentors conduct activities with students that emphasize a college-going culture and encourage students to become more proactive in their academic development.

A GEAR UP mentor is a trusted advisor, guide, good listener, responsive and reliable adult who:

• Can help GEAR UP students stay in school and prepare for college.
• Help build a GEAR UP student’s motivation and confidence.
• Understands the challenges of being an adolescent and the value of sharing their experiences.
• Is a positive role model.
• Can share their high school and college experiences with GEAR UP students.
• Can help a GEAR UP student set goals for his/her future.
• Understands the greatest satisfaction gained from being a mentor is knowing they have changed the lives of students for the better!

Mentors can work from one of the partner college campus sites in Atlantic City/Pleasantville, Bridgeton, Trenton, Jersey City, Newark, Camden, Paterson or Penns Grove Carneys Point. The dates, times, and hours that a mentor works vary depending on the needs of the program and the mentor's schedule. Mentors should plan to work at least five hours a week.

To find out more about becoming a NJ GEAR UP mentor contact:

• Yasmin Robinson
  State Program Specialist
  609-292-6190
  yasmin.robinson@oshe.nj.gov

For Current Mentors:

• (Link to database)
• (Link to Google Drive)