Norwalk Mentor Program

The mission of the NMP is to encourage the social, academic, and mental growth of Norwalk's youth through a one-on-one mentoring relationship where a caring adult serves as a role-model to a student as he/she goes through a difficult period and/or faces new challenges.

Mentoring relationships improve personal and academic outcomes for our youth. By matching caring adults to students in our schools, our mentors help young people feel good about themselves and their lives. They are encouraged to set goals for themselves and acknowledge their accomplishments. They learn to take responsibility for their decisions and actions. The Norwalk Mentor Program understands that the longer a child is matched with a caring mentor, the greater the impact on that child’s life.

Established in 1986 by the Norwalk, CT Board of Education, the Norwalk Mentor Program was the first school-based mentoring program in the country, matching students in grades K-12 with positive adult role models. It was run successfully by the Norwalk School System for many years. In 2009 the Human Services Council, a local non-profit agency, took over coordination of the program. Established in 1944, the mission of the Human Services Council is to create and foster programs that educate, safeguard, and empower the people of our community. Our vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Weekly mentoring sessions; annual Mentoring Celebration; End-of-Year Outing for mentors & mentees; Welcome Back Breakfasts