TeamMates Mentoring Program of Sutherland

What TeamMates Is
TeamMates Mentoring is a nonprofit, school‑based mentoring program started in 1991 by Coach Tom Osborne and his wife Nancy, based on the belief that positive relationships can change lives. It began with a small group of University of Nebraska football players mentoring middle school students and has since grown nationwide, impacting tens of thousands of young people by connecting them with caring adult mentors who help them stay in school and pursue success. 

How the Program Works
✨ Mentor–Mentee Matching: After completing an application, background/reference checks, and a short training, an adult volunteer is matched with a student (typically in grades 3‑12) based on shared interests. 

📅 Weekly Meetings: Mentors and mentees meet once a week during the school day, usually for about 30–60 minutes. These meetings happen on school grounds and are scheduled through a school coordinator. 

🧠 Activities & Focus: Sessions are relationship‑focused and flexible — they can include conversation, playing games, reading, crafts, sharing hobbies, or simply getting to know one another. The emphasis is on building trust, encouragement, and support rather than tutoring. 

📆 Commitment: Mentors are typically encouraged to stay with their mentee for at least three years, supporting them consistently through critical years of school. 

🎓 Expanded Support: TeamMates also offers post‑secondary mentoring programs (such as TeamMates+) where mentors support older students as they transition to college or other post‑high‑school goals, focusing on academic success, career exploration, and life skills. 

💛 Impact: By fostering one‑on‑one relationships—with just a small weekly time commitment—TeamMates aims to boost students’ confidence, engagement, and long‑term aspirations.