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 during a 10-week program, to support them to explore the opportunities available and aspire to a successful career, 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 Office of Student Recruitment through the Ambassador Program
Grow your professional network

What do I need to participate in the program?

Eligibility

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

Requirements

Mentors must be available for mentoring one hour a week for a period of 5 to 10 weeks.
Mentoring occurs during school hours (Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm)

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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.

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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 interview

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 to need to know

What is the time commitment for Inspire Change?

Mentors are expected to participate for at least 10 weeks; sessions lasting one hour per week.

What are the locations for the mentor placement?

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 follow a 10 week program with a specific timeframe. Speak with us if you have any specific questions about the timing of the program.

I am an international student. Can I participate?

Yes. Inspire has a range of mentoring opportunities to suit most Flinders students. Please contact us for further information and/or to discuss what options are available.

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.

Enquire now

If you or someone you know that would like to be involved in the Inspire Change Program, please email the Education Pathways Team.

inspire@flinders.edu.au