VSAC GEAR UP Mentoring Program

Sponsored by: Vermont Student Assistance Program
Executive Director: Don Vickers
Contact: Heidi McLaughlin
Phone: 802-655-9602 x401
Email: McLaughlin@vsac.org

Website: www.vsac.org

VSAC, through the Vermont State GEAR UP Grant, supports community wide efforts to provide students with the opportunities and assistance to achieve success in high school and beyond. The mission of the VSAC GEAR UP Mentoring Program is to provide role models to support and nurture students’ personal development and academic success. The program matches current VSAC employees with students at two Chittenden County GEAR UP Schools (Colchester Middle School and Winooski Middle School). Mentors are matched in one-on-one relationships with students who are referred by the guidance staff and desire to participate in the program. Mentors meet with their students both at school and in the community.

First Year of operation: 1999
Minimum age for mentor: enrolled in or completed post-secondary degree
Minimum time commitment: 2 visits/month
Minimum length of commitment: one year