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By Ayanna Eckblad

January is National Mentoring Month, and the STARS mentoring program is ready to raise awareness of the benefits of mentors in the community and hopefully increase participation.

STARS, which stands for Success Through Adults Reaching Students, is an organization originally started in Faribault County in 2001. It now services Freeborn County as well as parts of Faribault County.

Watsana Thiravong, the STARS program director, explained a little about the program and what it means for youth and adults in the area.

“A mentor is a caring adult friend and positive role model,” she said. “Youth need positive role models to help build confidence and feel more connected in their community.”

Previously a substitute teacher in the Albert Lea and Austin area, Thiravong said the 10 months she has been working at STARS has been the most enjoyable and rewarding of her life.

She said participating mentors have similar feelings about their experiences.

For example, one mentor who participated in the program is now the president of the STARS board of directors.

Thiravong said there can be a negative connotation for children being part of the STARS program. However, she wants people to know that everyone needs a mentor at one point or another in their life. It can be between a child and an adult, like the STARS program, but it can also be between two professionals, athletes or anyone looking for extra guidance in their life.

She added that statistics show mentoring works, but up to one in three people grow up without a mentor.

Youth, she said, need someone to trust who they can listen to and be encouraged by.

To become a STARS mentor, a person must submit an application online at stars4kids.org or by contacting Thiravong at 507-383-5272. Volunteers must allow for fingerprint, background and reference checks, followed by an interview and orientation process.

Mentors are paired with mentees based on factors such as mutual interests and similarities. Mentors must commit to spending at least two hours with their mentees a month. They also report to Thiravong on a regular basis.

Additionally, there is monthly skills building for mentors that help them start meaningful conversations with their mentees.

Mentees are typically around 7 to 18 years old, and Thiravong said any caring adult can request a mentor for a child. This can include parents, grandparents, teachers or child services.

During their time together, a mentor and mentee have many different choices for activities they can do together. Thiravong said one of the most impactful activities they can do is share a meal together and engage in conversation.

Throughout the year, but especially during National Mentoring Month, Thiravong said the people at STARS are actively trying to grow the program. STARS currently has 22 mentees and 21 mentors, but would love to have more participants.

“That’s always been the goal, is to try and grow,” Thiravong said. “If anyone knows of a mentor or would like to be a mentor, please contact us.”

The STARS office in Albert Lea is at 411 S. First Ave.