Polk County Schools is looking for community members willing to spend about an hour each month building meaningful relationships with students through the BOLT mentoring program.
BOLT – Building Opportunities for Leadership + Trust – pairs students with trained adult mentors who meet with them twice a month for approximately 30 minutes in a school setting.
Community members interested in becoming mentors can contact BOLT Mentors Program Coordinator Logan Watson at lwatson@polkschools.org to learn about upcoming training and volunteer opportunities.
The program is designed around consistent connections with caring adults who can encourage students, listen to their experiences and help them navigate challenges and opportunities. Mentors also support students as they develop confidence, leadership skills and a stronger sense of their own potential.
Whenever possible, mentors and students are paired based on shared interests, hobbies or life experiences to help establish a strong foundation for the relationship.
Before working with a student, mentors complete a background check and participate in in-person training. They also receive program resources, materials and ongoing education and support.
BOLT welcomes volunteers from throughout Polk County, including business and community leaders, retirees, parents, educators and others interested in supporting young people.
During the previous school year, BOLT mentors and students completed more than 180 meetings totaling 288 hours at Polk County High School, Polk County Middle School and Polk County Early College.
The program is made possible through donors to the Polk County Community Foundation.
