STAR Mentoring
Program Description
- In this program, local teens and Dartmouth College students, all of whom live with chronic physical health conditions, spend time together in a variety of ways. The Dartmouth student mentors lead meetings, which have various themes. Parent support meetings occur simultaneously and are led by Leah Abrahamsen, MSW, Director of the STAR Program.
- Social activities occur once or twice a term during the school year. These activities give the local teens a chance to have informal contact with other teens and Dartmouth students who also live with a chronic illness. Some events in the past have included canoeing, bowling, mini-golf, and attending Dartmouth sporting events.
- Each spring, the STAR Program has an annual retreat. In the past, this has meant a daylong trip, usually to a ropes course. This past spring, we held our first overnight retreat at the Hanover Lutheran Church. Activities included swimming, basketball, dinner and group discussion.
Focus Areas
Primarily group activities, however when geography and term schedules allow, one-on-one mentoring may occur.
Community Partners
Special Needs Support Center (SNSC)
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies, depending upon how many dinners, events and retreats the Dartmouth student wants to attend. The Dartmouth students are encouraged to attend everything throughout the term to make and maintain strong mentoring relationships, requiring approximately 10-15 hours a term. Leadership roles require approximately 25-30 hours a term.
Contact Information
Email "Star.Mentoring.Program@dartmouth.edu" for more information, or call 603-448-6310.
Transportation
While it is not necessary to be an approved driver to take part in this program, interested students are encouraged to become a College Approved Drivers.
