Open Books :: Programs

VWrite is an inspiring, unforgettable 8-week program that matches teens with caring, professional adult mentors who coach students, one-on-one, in college and career communication. The V in VWrite stands for "virtual," so mentors and students primarily communicate via phone and e-mail (enabling quality mentors from around Chicagoland to contribute in underserved areas and giving students a valuable simulation of how real-world, professional communication is conducted). Topics include resume, cover letter, goal-setting, e-mail and phone etiquette, job shadowing, interviews, the college search and application process, and more.

We have a lot of success stories! A couple of kids are in contact with their mentors about doing some job shadowing. I think this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen happen here... Some of them are already asking "What else can we do next?" Some are asking about scholarship letters and things like that. The ones who are behind are realizing it and trying to catch up. They're realizing the potential of this now as they hear success stories. Thank you and the mentors so much!

- VWrite Coordinating Teacher

I wanted to thank you for all your help. I feel so lucky in having an awesome mentor that really took the time to teach me. The skills and knowledge that I have gained will really help me for the rest of my life. I appreciate all the things you have done for me, it means so much to me.

- VWrite Student

The VWrite Program has shown me how just a few hours a week can truly impact a student's thinking and being, and for it to culminate in the email above is absolutely rewarding. Who would have thought that interacting by computer and phone would have the same effect as interacting in person? I realized through VWrite that what motivates these students is not how we provide literacy help but simply that we provide it. Showing an interest in who they are and their work, I think, is where the road to literacy begins. The rest will just fall into place. Without both of you and the Open Books team, I never would have had this opportunity. Thank you so much!

- VWrite Mentor

I'm so glad that Open Books has given us the opportunities to work with the mentors. I haven't got my first job yet, so with this I hope to get a job.

- VWrite Student

…it was apparent that [my student] experienced a growth in professionalism and showed eagerness to use my feedback in his assignments. It was a pleasure to have worked with him and to have been part of this program.

- VWrite Mentor

[The biggest success I had with my student was] helping her understand that she did have something to put on a resume (which she didn't believe at first!)

- VWrite Mentor

This organization is amazing.

- VWrite Mentor

Volunteer As A VWrite Mentor

Volunteer Role:
Coach a high school junior on college- and career-related writing skills via weekly e-mail, instant message, and/or phone conferences. Topics may include college essays, resumes, cover letters, and e-mail etiquette. Volunteers will read, edit, and make suggestions about student writing each week and listen, give advice, and assist students with personal goal-setting.

Requirements:
Open Books Orientation, VWrite training, background check, resume, and sample cover letter (one you have used in the past is just fine).

Volunteers need computer, internet, and phone access, strong professional writing and editing skills, and the ability to schedule regular times to communicate online and by phone with assigned student. Ideal mentors will have experience communicating or working with teenagers.

Location:
Virtual -- mentoring is done by phone and email.

Schedule and Commitment:
An 8 week session. Dates are determined by the participating school. While the program is virtual and you and your student will set your own weekly schedule, you must be available for a couple of in-person events to get things started. Mentors put in an average of 2-5 hours per week.

Getting Started: Fill out the Volunteer Signup form and attend an orientation. After you've met us and sent Ava your application, we'll put you on the VWrite match list and set you up with a student in an upcoming session. Already attended an orientation? Then just contact Ava ([email protected] or 312.475.1355 x119) and let her know you want to help!

Teachers: Enroll Your Classes!

Interested in enrolling your class in VWrite? Let us know! We'd love to talk to you about program specifics and how we can help.

[email protected]
312.475.1355 x116