The Community Access Mentoring (CAM) program was developed by BVSD to identify and place middle school students into suitable pro-social after-school and summer programs and services. In selected schools, volunteer Community Access Coaches, trained as mentors, will meet with youth who have been identified by teachers, staff and parents. Each Access Coach agrees to volunteer at least 1 hour a week of his/her time.

What is an Access Coach?

An Access Coach is a mentor who cares, listens, and offers encouragement. The real force for positive change comes from the fruits of the relationship itself; trust, confidence, enthusiasm, and effective follow-up with after-school and summer program participation. At every stage, mentors are provided with comprehensive training and on-going support to maximize their effectiveness.

Mentor Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least 18 years of age

  • Ability to make a one year commitment

  • Successful completion of a comprehensive background and reference checks

  • Completion of 2 hours of formal training

  • Commitment to provide a minimum of 1 hour per week

  • Participation in ongoing monthly trainings

  • A history of being dependable, emotionally mature, reasonably flexible and tolerant

  • Adherence to all program policies and procedures

  • Dependability and consistency in meeting the time commitments

  • Willingness to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback

  • Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years

  • Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years


Mentor Benefits:

  • A well-researched and effective training program

  • Individual and group ongoing support and supervision to help the match succeed

  • Personal fulfillment through contribution to community and individual

  • The satisfaction of making an important difference in the lives of children

  • Creating opportunities for personal growth

Volunteer Opportunities beyond Mentoring:

Perhaps you would like to help impact the lives of children, but cannot fulfill the requirements of being a mentor. Our program offers additional volunteer experiences that are critical to our success. These include administrative support, community outreach and many others.

We Can't Do It Without You!

For more information, or to receive an Access Coach Application Form, please contact Patti Ashley at 720-203-6844 or patti.ashley@bvsd.org. or Patti Kenney at 303-447-