Mentor Program
Mentor Program
The Barrow County School System Mentor Program offers community members the opportunity to help a child or teenager succeed and grow. Spending time with a student at school, sharing experiences and knowledge, and offering guidance and friendship can foster significant changes in a student’s life.
BECOMING A MENTOR
The BCSS Mentor Program matches volunteer adult role models with students in need of a mentoring relationship. Mentor requirements are to complete an application, pass a criminal background check, attend an orientation session and make a commitment to mentor a child for 30 minutes to one hour each week. To become a mentor or to find out more about this opportunity, contact Barbie Kulp or the Mentor Coordinator at the school where you'd like to serve.
“The greatest success we’ll know is helping others succeed and grow.”
Gregory Scott Reid
MENTOR SPOTLIGHTS
- Mary Wilson
- Ray Melvin
- Megan Linebaugh
- Matt Brown
PERMISSION FORM
Parents, teachers, counselors, other school staff and students themselves can refer a student to take part in the BCSS Mentor Program. Parents must sign the letter of consent through the link below. Parents can withdraw their child at any time and may choose to meet the mentor at school.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW & RETURNING MENTORS
- Complete the Bi-Annual Mentor Application
- New Mentors: Complete the steps to volunteer as a Level 2 and pass a criminal background check
- Returning Mentors: Consent to a periodic criminal history/background check
- Attend a new mentor orientation session
- Make a time commitment of 30 minutes to one hour each week
- Participate in workshops and new training as needed
Georgia Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Law
Each member of the BCSS Mentor Program team has a responsibility as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse. On this page you will find links to the Georgia Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Law (OCGA 19-7-5), a ten-page Child Abuse Prevention handout, more detailed procedures for reporting suspected child abuse, and a Child Abuse Reporting Video. You are encouraged to take the time to review these additional resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your role as a mandated reported of suspected child abuse.
Thank you to our corporate sponsor, Cable East, for supporting our Mentoring program.
MENTOR PROGRAM CONTACT
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Barbie Kulp
REACH Georgia and Mentor Program Coordinator
Email: barbara.kulp@barrow.k12.ga.us
Barbie Kulp is the Mentor Program and REACH Georgia Scholar Coordinator for Barrow County School System. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Management. Barbie has worked in education for 19 years with Oconee County and Foothills Charter schools. She has also worked and volunteered for many years in youth ministry at her church.
"As the new Mentor and REACH Georgia Coordinator, I will focus on helping students achieve more through strong support and encouragement from their school and community. I'm so excited to be a part of BCSS!"
Barbie and her husband, Mike, have lived in Statham for 19 years and they have two grown children. In her free time, she loves to hike or take daily walks for exercise and cheer on her UGA DAWGS!