Frequently Asked Questions

Which school districts are served by TTA?
TTA serves four independent school districts: Cedar Hill; Dallas (two school clusters—Carter and Kimball); Duncanville and Lancaster.

How do I get a mentor for my child?
You may contact your child’s school counselor or TTA’s in-school program coordinator to inquire about the mentoring program for your child.

Go to staff directory for the name and phone number of the in-school program coordinator assigned to your child’s school.

A student may self-refer to the mentoring program. All students must have parental consent to participate in TTA's school-based mentoring.

If my child does not attend one of TTA’s participating schools, can he or she still participate in your school-based mentoring program?
No, your child must attend one of TTA’s participating schools. At this time, TTA only provides in-school mentoring for young people in our designated schools.

How can I bring TTA’s school-based mentoring program to my school?
You may contact Rev. Charles Wolford, Executive Director of TTA, at 214-672-9100.

Can mentoring take place after school?
No, mentoring is during school hours only.

Do you have to be a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) to become a mentor?
No. Although the vast majority of mentors come from OCBF, you do not have to be a member to be approved for our school-based mentoring program. However, all mentors must adhere to TTA’s policies and procedures and uphold our statement of faith.

TTA mentors must exhibit behavior that reflects a high level of excellence in Christian standards. There must be observable evidence of belief in and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. All volunteers, regardless of type and level of service, and all others associated with representing TTA in any way, must be supportive of the spiritual position of TTA.

What is the process for being approved as a mentor?
A person must meet the following criteria to be eligible to serve as a mentor:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Complete the mentor application packet & provide three referrals during orientation
• Undergo an in-person interview with TTA personnel
• Pass a criminal background check from both TTA and school district
• Attend a mandatory mentor training initially and in-service trainings throughout year
  
  

Are there specific responsibilities of serving as a mentor?
Mentors are oriented and trained in their role as mentors. Specific responsibilities of a mentor are outlined in the mentor job description and contract. Click on job description and contract to learn more about the responsibilities of a mentor.

As a mentor, how often will I meet with my mentees and how long do I have to commit?
Mentors will meet with their mentees once a week for one hour on the school’s campus. A mentor must make a one-year (school year) commitment.

Can I contact my mentees or their family members during the summer or school breaks or outside school hours?
No. Mentors are not allowed to have off-campus contact with their mentees or mentees’ families at any time unless it is under the direct supervision of school officials and/or the parents. Our mentoring program is school-based and occurs only during a regular school day throughout the school year.

Can I select my mentees?
TTA’s in-school program coordinators match students with mentors based on interest surveys completed by mentors and students. Matches are gender-based, which means female to female and male to male.

Can I keep the same mentees each year?
Yes, as long as your mentees continue to attend one of TTA’s participating schools.

Can I receive community service credit hours for my job?
Once you complete mentor training, we can provide a letter to your employer of your volunteer service as a mentor.

Do TTA’s participating school districts have volunteer guidelines for mentors?
Yes. Please click on a school district below to view their guidelines for volunteers.
• Cedar Hill ISD
• Dallas ISD
• Duncanville ISD
• Lancaster ISD