A group of people standing next to each other on a white background.

True2U Mentoring

Guide a Student. Grow a Leader.

True2U is a powerful way to give back — by guiding 8th graders in Cleveland as they prepare for one of life’s biggest transitions: high school. Through monthly in-school sessions, volunteer mentors help students explore their values, discover their strengths, and envision their futures.

What Mentors Do

True2U mentors volunteer once a month from October through April. Working in teams, mentors lead engaging sessions with a class of 8th-grade students using the PACE (Planning and Career Exploration) curriculum.

Mentors help students:

  • Understand their personal strengths and decision-making style
  • Explore career paths and interests
  • Navigate high school choices within CMSD’s 30+ school options
  • Believe in themselves and what they’re capable of


You’ll also return twice a year to work with the same students as 7th graders — helping create a long-term connection.

A group of young men are sitting on a set of stairs talking to each other.
A teacher is talking to a group of students in a classroom.

Mentor Support & Training

We set our mentors up for success. Every volunteer receives:

  • A full Welcome Orientation before the program starts
  • Session-by-session training (live or on-demand)
  • A dedicated co-mentor and consistent classroom assignment
  • A Student Tracker and detailed session guide
  • Support from NLI’s program team every step of the way


All materials are provided and kept on-site at the school — all you have to do is show up, share, and support.

The Mentor Timeline

  1. Apply online
  2. Complete screening (interview + background check)
  3. Get matched with a partner, school, and student class
  4. Attend Orientation and the Teacher/Mentor Conference
  5. Mentor in schools one morning a month from October–April
  6. Support 7th graders during two additional sessions

Ready to Mentor?

Call Laura or Caroline at (216) 812-8700

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the True2U Mentoring program?

    True2U is a powerful way for adults to give back to their community — by guiding 8th graders in Cleveland as they prepare for one of life’s biggest transitions: moving on to high school. Through monthly in-school sessions, volunteer mentors help students explore their values, discover their strengths, and envision their futures. We work with 200-300 volunteers each year as they mentor approximately 2,500 eighth graders within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

  • What are the responsibilities of a True2U Volunteer Mentor?

    • Belief in the mission of the program
    • Commitment to being open-minded, and share your experiences with students
    • Prepare for your in-school sessions
    • Arrive at the school 15 minutes before the start of each session
    • Provide session feedback
    • Enjoy your experience with your students

  • How can I become a mentor in the True2U program?

    Each year, the True2U Mentoring program recruits between 200-300 mentors to work with CMSD 8th graders. We invite any interested individuals to start the application process by clicking here.