The INSPIRE Mentoring Program is an opportunity for adults to mentor a middle school student through 30 minutes visits at lunch once a week. This program provides each students a nurturing companion that they can rely on though the entirety of the school year. Want to join us in leaving a lasting affect on a middle school student in our community? Applications will be open 
​August 2024

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INSPIRE Program Mission.

The CCOC INSPIRE Mentoring Program strives to provide a positive and nurturing environment to improve academics, personal responsibility, social skills, and self-awareness. Through the establishment of meaningful relationships, the program will strengthen skills, respect, and character of its diverse students. 

INSPIRE Program Vision.

​The CCOC INSPIRE Mentoring Program envisions empowered youth as successful decision makers in our schools and community.  We are dedicated to strengthening community connections and displaying positive life skills and academic skills for growth and success.

Program Objectives.

The CCOC INSPIRE Mentoring Program aims to improve its student’s academic and personal lives through the following objectives:

• Encouragement of academic and/or social skills improvement to foster future success.
• Encouragement of self-esteem/self-efficacy, social competences, and overall happiness.
• Encouragement of positive thinking skills (in order to avoid risky, harming behaviors).
• Encouragement of quality relationships with fellow students, parents, peers, teachers, mentors, and other adults.

Mentor Expectations.

Each CCOC INSPIRE Mentoring Program mentor is expected to:

• Fill out a volunteer mentor application (first) then apply for and obtain the level 2 approval status as a Johnston County Schools volunteer (requires background check). This must be renewed annually.
• Attend a mentor training session facilitated by CCOC and the school counselor/administrator for a brief orientation at the school which would include meeting the student and parent/guardian. 
• Maintain a steady and consistent presence in the student’s life by meeting with mentee during scheduled weekly visits.
• Commit to maintain the mentoring relationship until the end of the academic school year.
• Understand contact with the mentee is to remain school-based. Email, social media contact, phone calls or meeting elsewhere is prohibited. Contact with the parent and/or teacher will be facilitated by a school counselor/administrator. Please contact the school if you feel contact with the mentee’s parents or teacher is needed.
• Agree to remain positive and focused while helping the student work towards their goals.

Important Dates.

• Deadline to apply to be an INSPIRE mentor: September 9, 2024. 
• Deadline to apply for Level 2 Johnston County Public School Volunteer Application: September 9, 2024 (See link below).
• Mentor Training Session: September 24, 2024 from 6PM to 8PM. 
• CMS Logistics/Pizza Party with students: October 11, 2024 from 10:00AM to 11:30PM.
• Mentoring sessions with students begin: Week of October 14, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. 

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INFORMATION ON THE JCPS VOLUNTEER APPLICATION >

Many factors impact a child’s learning and development, both positively and negatively.  The greatest negative impacts are called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Trauma and toxic stress occur when children experience one or more ACEs for prolonged periods of time.  Our brains need to be able to feel safe, have our basic needs met, and establish strong social and emotional connections before it is able to learn and retain new skills.  But the good news is that YOU can make a difference!  When children have positive, nurturing, and supportive relationships in their lives, they start to build resiliency.  This resiliency helps children deal with negative situations in a healthy way that won’t have prolonged and unfavorable outcomes.  The INSPIRE program does just this.  By being a mentor, you are establishing a positive and supportive relationship, allowing the student to build resiliency and strengthen their academic and social skills. Join us in making a difference, building resiliency, and strengthening our community!"
​- Myra Burrell, CCOC Education Committee Chair

INSPIRE 2024 ANNUAL SPONSORS