Become an inspiring mentor

A fun and rewarding volunteering experience

Inspire Change is an innovative program, which aims to encourage year 12 students to explore their next steps after school and consider university as a real and attainable option for their future.

As a mentor you will connect with school students across 4 mentoring sessions, supporting them to explore future career options and aspire for success, starting at university. By connecting with a school student, you will have the chance to share your experience as a uni student and support them with motivation, planning and study skills.

Why you should become a mentor?

Make a positive difference in a young person’s life and education
Opportunity to gain valuable experience
Improve and refine your professional capabilities, increasing your employability
Opportunity to further your work with the Education Pathways and Student Recruitment teams through the Ambassador Program
Grow your professional network

Who are we looking for?

Eligibility

All current Flinders University students are eligible to apply, both undergraduate and postgraduate.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are highly encouraged to apply.
Mentors must present good communication and language skills, be reliable and able to connect with young people.

Requirements

Must be available for 4x mentoring sessions (60 minutes each) during term 2 of the school year.
Mentoring occurs during school hours (Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm).
Knowledge and experience of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and the South Australian education system.

"

The Inspire Mentor Program is full of benefits for both the mentor and the mentee. As a student who is studying to be a secondary teacher this professional development experience has been invaluable. I can gain additional experience and gain a real understanding of the workplace, staff, and students that I will be working with in the future. Not only is it rewarding for my future career, but I am also seeing real change and advancements in the lives of my mentees.

"

It is wonderful to be able to build positive relationships with mentees and act as a point of connection between students and university. Offering insight into tertiary education can be invaluable to mentees, especially those who may not have any close friends or family who have attended university.

Selection and referral process

Complete the Application form.

Attend an 30-minute interview with a member of the Inspire Change program.

Complete the Working with Children check (A valid DHS/DCSI child-related employment check will be recognised as a Working with Children Check until it expires).

Complete the Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education and Care training.

Attend a training for Inspire Change.

Upon completion of these stages, mentors will be matched to a student.

What you need to know

What is the time commitment for Inspire Change?

Mentors are expected to attend 4 one hour mentoring sessions, during Term 2 of the school year.

Inspire Change will be run during Terms 2 of the school year, with mentoring sessions running fortnightly, and on specific days of the week throughout this period. At times, a mentoring session, might need to be rescheduled, to attend for the school and mentors' commitments. This is done in consultation with mentor and school. Speak with us if you have any specific questions about the timing of the program.

Where will I be placed for mentoring?

Mentor placements are available at selected high schools across metro and regional SA.

Can I choose which school I mentor at?

Our program works with a selected list of schools and will refer you based on your student profile, availability, and residential address. We will consult with you before confirming your referral to the school.

Does mentoring only take place during school hours?

Inspire Change mentoring sessions will always take place in a supervised environment, usually on a school campus, and during school hours (Monday — Friday, 9am — 3pm). This is to safeguard all participants.

Can I start mentoring at any time?

Inspire Change will be run across Terms 2 & 3 of the school year, with mentoring sessions running on specific weeks throughout this period. Speak with us if you have any specific questions about the timing of the program.

I am an international student. Can I participate?

Flinders University has a range of opportunities to suit most Flinders students. Please contact us for further information and/or to discuss available options.

Do I get paid for mentoring?

Involvement and participation in the Inspire Mentor Program is voluntary. At times, opportunities become available for paid mentoring which are advertised through Flinders’ CareerHub portal.

In some cases, travel reimbursement may be available for volunteers.