Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance

**Mentor Applications are now closed for 2019**
Thank you for your interest in the Migrant Mentoring program.
If you would like to be informed of future volunteer opportunities at LEDA, please contact us.

Each year nearly 6,000 children accompany their parents to Ottawa County from February to late November. This stream of seasonal workers from Texas, many of whom are the second and third generation, has existed for more than 30 years. It is the largest population of seasonal workers in Michigan. Spanish is often the first language in the family homes of migrant workers, and 78 percent of the parents have only limited English proficiency. Due to long work hours in the fields (often six days a week), low wages, and social/geographical isolation, parents are many times unable to provide after-school and summer activities/lessons for their children.

The Migrant Mentoring Program matches children from local migrant camps with community volunteers. The program is designed to build cultural bridges between the larger community and the migrant worker population while meeting the social and educational needs of the children.

Volunteer mentors agree to meet with a child on a weekly basis to provide social opportunities and academic support for the duration of the migrant family’s stay. The goal of the program is to increase the comfort level of the children and their families in the local community, increase access to community resources, build cultural bridges, and assist with academic achievement of migrant children. An understanding of the Spanish language is not required.

Mentors matter – become a mentor today! Your first step in becoming a mentor is to complete the application form below.

**Applications are now closed for 2019.** When working with children, an extensive application process is required. Thank you in advance for understanding the need for Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance to gather the required information. The goal of the Migrant Mentoring Program is to make the best match between you and a migrant child.

As part of the application process, your spouse or significant other may also need to be given a background check. You can find the form for this additional background check here. This form will remain available in case it is needed at a later date.

This is your resource to strengthen your relationship with your mentee, get ideas for activities, and keep in touch with the latest resources and tips to make your mentoring year the best yet!

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Major financial support for Migrant Mentoring provided by: