Inspire Peer Mentoring Program

The goal of the INSPIRE Peer Mentor Project is to increase retention and participation in education for at risk students in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. The goal is met through mentors (Flinders University students) being matched to projects. By being immersed in the classroom as a co-learner or as peers, the mentors bring their own study skills, knowledge, passion and interest in their subject area to the student mentees (students in schools or community based education programs).

Mentoring can help increase your self-confidence and interpersonal communication skills as well adding value to your resume and increasing your competitiveness when seeking employment.

Add valuable volunteer community experience to your CV and apply your experiences from Uni to support young people to engage with their learning.

Gain 6 units credit through the School of Education Teaching Practicum Elective topic if enrolled in the Bachelor of Education - further information from John Harris in the Teaching Experience Centre.

About INSPIRE

Mentor projects have been negotiated between Flinders University and each school/partner organization as a part of the INSPIRE Peer Mentor Program.

• Each project has been tailored to meet specific needs within each school community.
• After the project proposal has been negotiated, the project is advertised to the Flinders University student body.
• Each project is also sent to targeted student groups enrolled in disciplines that match the project area.
• Mentors are then matched to projects, trained by INSPIRE Project Staff, and placed in contact with the school contact person.
• Mentors then negotiate their availability with the school contact person (usually a Deputy Principal) around the school and university timetables and the mentors' paid work and family commitments.
• The school conducts an orientation to the school and to the project, introducing mentors to teachers.
• The teachers involved then introduce the mentor to the student mentees and class groups.
• Most mentors participate for two hours each week throughout the term, with some mentors giving one day (9-3pm) per week if they are Education students undertaking a project for 3 units credit (under Open Option 3 requiring 120 hours).

Student Mentees have the opportunity to:

• Work alongside a peer who has committed to further study.
• Think about areas of further study or training that they may like to undertake.
• Develop the skills required to complete their current studies in order to be eligible for further education and training that their interest area and possible careers may require.
• Be exposed to other people who are engaged in their own ongoing learning in order to meet their goals.

This model has been based on an ethos of community development and capacity building.

Inspire is funded by The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Skills Required

People who enjoy being with and working with young people.

Mentors have come from disciplines as diverse as Engineering, Marine Studies, Law, Behavioural Sciences, Education and Humanities. We are seeking expressions of interest from students of all areas of study. Mentors undergo training and briefing before their placement, and receive ongoing peer support from other mentors and the Mentor Project Coordinator throughout their placement.

Information and Registration Process for Mentors

For additional information contact the Mentoring Project Officer or call 8201 2832.

Meet the Mentors

Find out about the projects that mentors are involved in.

To view the Past mentors click here.
To view the Present mentors click here.

Former Minister for Community Services (Families, Communtity Services and Indigenous Affairs) Mr John Cobbs, MP visits INSPIRE read about it here.

To view Conferences click here.