Kearney Public Schools - TeamMates Mentoring Program

To positively impact the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential through mentoring.

TeamMates Mentoring of Kearney is a school-based mentoring program that matches students in Kearney Public Schools with a volunteer mentor from the local area. Our mentors show up to listen, support, and inspire students who just need an adult in their corner. Thirty minutes a week is all it takes to help a student see their worth, chase their goals, and realize their full potential.

Research shows that students who meet with their TeamMates mentor once a week show academic improvement, have fewer unexcused absences, and have a greater sense of hopefulness.

TIME is the greatest need of TeamMates Mentoring. Your time commitment of 30-60 minutes a week will help transform the life of a student. It's not about having all the answers-it's about being there.

Join the Team. Be a Mentor.

Testimonials

TeamMate Mentee Testimonial - Ali

"When I first joined TeamMates I was a sixth grader, my older sister had a pamphlet about it and said we should join. I didn't want to at first, I was as antisocial as it gets. She tricked me into it by saying we would be able to get out of a class one day a week and have fun outings with free food. Once I heard that I agreed. Starting off with my first TeamMate was rocky, she never showed up to the outings and I was always on the sidelines watching people have fun.

"Once the end of the year came I had the decision to choose a better TeamMate and I did. That's when I met Carol, my mentor for the next six years. Our relationship started off horrible, thanks to me. I hated to get close to people and would always push everyone away. I did everything I could to get rid of her, I was rude and bratty, all together an annoying punk.

"Through all of this Carol stayed, she helped me learn to trust people and be myself, because of her I found my love for writing. I even enjoyed the rest of my time with TeamMates. And as soon as my younger siblings were old enough I helped them join TeamMates. The day I joined TeamMates I thought it was kind of dumb, now I'm glad I joined, I don't think I would be who I am today without it."

Teammate Mentor Testimonial - Carol

"When my daughter graduated and went off to college, I researched volunteer opportunities looking for the best way I could serve in Kearney. I found the Teammate Mentoring Program to be an opportunity to make a difference in a young person's life.

"When Ali and I were matched, she was a 7th grader who had seen a lot of disappointments in her young life. She was my 6th teammate, but she was not impressed with me. I had to earn her trust which I tried to do by being reliable and consistent. We started bonding through baking cookies and making mints in the Family Consumer Science (FCS) room. Ali is a voracious reader and I encouraged her in writing her own stories.

"One of the proudest moments was when Ali presented to me her first novel! She said she wanted me to be the first to read it, what an honor! Despite all the barriers Ali has had to overcome, she graduated last December and together we worked through the college enrollment process. I'm happy to say she is now a student at Central Community College while also working part-time.

"During my time as a teammate, I have come to understand that all kids need someone to believe in them and to always be in their corner. Teammates is a program where you can truly make a difference."