Frequently Asked Question

Q      What is the Beacon Project?

A.      In brief, we are a network of mentors created for the purpose of helping students reach their goals.

Q.     How is the Beacon Project different from other mentorship programs I’ve heard about.

A.     There are a number of great programs centering on the concept of mentorship, many of these programs seek to assist “at-risk” youth.  The Beacon Project is unique in three ways:
    1)  The Beacon Project seeks to connect with youth who are ‘upward bound’ - those young people who are doing well, but who could use an additional role-model or encouraging influence.  These students are then matched with a community leader, business professional, or a college student who has experience in the field of interest indicated by that young person.
    2)  The Beacon Project is a network of mentors.  Participating students are exposed to a greater circle of contacts and therefore a richer experience.
    3)  Targeted matching.  When a student indicates interest in connecting with a mentor, we go out and actively recruit a mentor who has experience in the field of interest indicated by that student.  (For example, if a student indicates the desire to be an optometrist, we look for a practicing optometrist, an optometric professor, or a current student in an optometry program.)

Q.     Are you a college group?

A.     The Beacon Project is not affiliated with any college or university - we were founded by a group of university students, however our organization has grown to include volunteer leaders from many sectors of the community.

Q.     What are the qualifications to be a mentor?

A.     We ask that mentor applicants be adults of high moral character with no criminal record (no felony convictions), who are either experts in their chosen field, business leaders, or university students currently pursuing their education.  

Q.     Why should I have to submit to a background check?

A.     Unfortunately, the reality is that some individuals may not be appropriate applicants for our mentorship program.  One of the ways we can ensure that we select only individuals who are right for our program is to conduct a background and reference check for each individual activated as a mentor.  Information obtained through background and reference checks is not shared with any third party.

Our policy regarding the necessity of background checks is not out of keeping with similar organizations.

Q.     What are the qualifications to be a mentee?

A.     The Beacon Project was initiated with the idea that it would serve students who are succeeding in their academic and social endeavors, and who will benefit from communication and acquaintance with an adult (e.g. students, business leaders, or other professionals).

To this end, qualifications are somewhat malleable, with preference given to students who are in their Sophomore, Junior or Senior years of high-school, are maintaining good academic standing, and are identified by their teacher, counselor or other youth-leader as being good candidates for the program.

Q.     How much does this cost?

A.     Nothing.  

There is absolutely no charge to participate in the Beacon Project.

Q.     Can I support this thing?

A.     At this time we are not receiving contributions.

Q.     How else can I get involved?

A.     In addition to seeking qualified individuals to serve as mentors, and interested students to become mentees, the Beacon Project is seeking energetic and enthusiastic individuals to become Volunteer Coordinators.

Volunteer Coordinators work to ensure a successful mentorship experience for all participants.
The Volunteer Coordinator primarily endeavors to:
    ensure students are aware of the opportunity to be paired with a mentor.    
    Develop and enrich the network of mentors
    Serve as a resource to mentors
    Recruit new mentors for interested students

Q.     How do you match mentors and mentees?

A.     A number of factors can contribute to a successful match, (e.g. shared interest and demographics), but matches are made with career path in mind.  A student interested in the medical field, for example, could be matched with a college student majoring in Biology.

Q.  Can I choose my mentor/mentee?

A.  No.  

If you have identified an individual who is willing to serve as your mentor and they want to join the Beacon Project for networking and support that is acceptable (in fact, it is encouraged), however matching decisions are made by the Beacon Project representatives.

Q.  What will the gender of my mentor/mentee?

A.     Students will be matched with same-gender mentors.

Q.     Where is your office located?

The Beacon Project is a network of leaders.  Physical office spaces do exist in some of our communities, however no central management office space is maintained by the Project.

Q.     Who are you people?

A.     We began as a group of grad-students who launched this endeavor as a class project and now hope to see it make a difference in the lives of youth in our communities.  We are now a network of active leaders in various communities.  Our Director of Operations is Ryan Harrison Buller.  You can contact Ryan at buller@thebeaconproject.org.

Q.     What do I get out of this?

A.     The mentorship experience brings a number of benefits to students and mentors.  Motivation for participating in the Beacon Project may range from enhancing one’s personal resume to more altruistic motivations of giving a young person access to a world of new opportunities.

Certainly, helping these young people grow closer to their dreams is a rewarding experience.  

Q.     How much time do I have to commit to?

A.     We only ask that mentors commit to about two connections with your student each month.  More frequent engagement is certainly permissible, and is encouraged.


Q.     What kind of events are we talking about?

A.     Activities with your mentee can be a simple as bringing them along on your lunch break or as involved as job-shadowing.

You decide what activities you feel are best for your particular situation.   Some possibilities include:
    Taking your mentee to a sporting event
    Including your mentee in an activity your family is already planning
    Inviting your mentee to see your place of business or watch you at work
    Attending a trade-show or workshop related to your field with your mentee
    Introducing your mentee to other professionals in their field of interest.