TANF - Parent Mentoring Program

The TANF Parent Mentoring Program is a program that supports families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, primarily focusing on low-income African American and Latino parents. The program helps these parents develop leadership skills, further their education and employment, and become positive role models for their children. A key component is that participating parents volunteer in classrooms to support students and teachers, receive professional development, and can be provided with a stipend after completing a certain number of hours. How it works

• Classroom support: Parent mentors volunteer in classrooms, assisting teachers with students and helping to create a positive learning environment. They do not typically work in their own child's classroom.
• Professional development: Mentors receive weekly training on skills like instructional practices, leadership, and career opportunities.
• Stipends: After completing a required number of volunteer hours, parent mentors can receive a stipend to help support them.
• Community involvement: The program aims to build leadership within the community and can help connect schools with the families they serve. 

Program goals

• To empower low-income parents to become leaders within their communities.
• To help parents improve their skills, education, and employment opportunities.
• To provide a supportive role model for children.
• To improve student achievement and support teachers in the classroom.