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True2U Mentoring

Guide a Student. Grow a Leader.

True2U gives caring adults the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) eighth-grade scholars prepare for one of life's biggest transitions, high school. Through meaningful relationships with volunteer mentors, scholars build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, explore future career possibilities, and develop a vision for their future.


True2U connects our community with youth through caring mentorship, career exploration, and meaningful choice to support the growth of our future leaders.

A teacher is talking to a group of students in a classroom.

Community Impact

True2U mentors are making a difference across Cleveland. Together, each school year, we:

  • Connect with all CMSD eighth-grade scholars (approximately 2,400)
  • Facilitate mentoring in each of the 100+ CMSD eighth-grade classrooms during each of the seven monthly sessions
  • Engage 175–200 dedicated volunteer mentors from across our community


Together, we're leveraging our community and investing in our youth by helping Cleveland scholars build confidence, explore possibilities, and prepare for success in high school and beyond.

What Mentors Do

Invest in people | Develop leaders | Transform communities


Volunteer mentors are matched with a CMSD eighth-grade class and meet once a month during the school day from October through April/May.

Using the True2U curriculum, mentors lead engaging activities and discussions that help scholars:

  • Discover their personal strengths and learning styles
  • Explore their decision-making style and personal values
  • Identify career interests and future opportunities
  • Understand CMSD’s high school options
  • Build confidence and self-awareness
  • Create a vision for their future
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 Welcome Orientation before the program starts
  • Session-by-session training (live or on-demand)
  • A consistent classroom assignment
  • A detailed session curriculum guide
  • Mentor Materials Webpage
  • True2U staff to answer questions and provide support.


No teaching or mentoring experience is required. True2U provides training, curriculum, and ongoing support throughout the program year.

The Mentor Timeline

  1. Apply online
  2. Complete screening process (new mentor interview + background check)
  3. Get matched with a partner, school, and class
  4. Attend Orientation and the Mentor/Teacher Meet and Greet
  5. Mentor in schools one morning a month from October–April
  6. Support 7th graders for 40 minutes during Session 5

Ready to Mentor?

Call Laura or Caroline at (216) 812-8700

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is True2U?

    True2U is the volunteer mentoring program of Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI), launched in 2015 to help Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) eighth-grade scholars better understand themselves and prepare for high school as the first step toward career readiness.

     

    In partnership with CMSD and The Cleveland Foundation, True2U supports the district's Planning and Career Exploration (PACE) Framework for students in grades 6–12 designed to connect students to living-wage careers after graduation. True2U serves as a key component of this framework by helping eighth-grade scholars develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to successfully transition to high school and begin building their future career pathways. 


  • What are the responsibilities of a True2U Volunteer Mentor?

    • One in-school mentoring session each month (7 total sessions)
    • Two-hour sessions during the school day
    • Participation from October through April/May
    • Attending mentor trainings and utilizing the program curriculum
    • 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

    True2U mentors are passionate about inspiring young people. They are ready to create a positive learning experience for 8th grade scholars. Mentors are able to commit to consistent monthly participation. 

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

    Each year, the True2U Mentoring program recruits volunteer mentors to work with a class of CMSD 8th graders. We invite any interested individuals to start the application process by clicking here.