Community colleges: mentoring credit program.
The bill presents significant changes to how mentoring in educational settings is facilitated within California community colleges. By instituting a structured mentoring program, it aims to not only enhance the academic experience for youth but also to provide students with hands-on mentoring opportunities. Moreover, the bill stipulates that the academic credit for participation in this mentoring program will be limited to either two semester units, three quarter units, or 96 noncredit hours. This structure is designed to ensure that while students provide valuable guidance to youth, their educational paths are not unduly burdened by excessive credit requirements.
Assembly Bill 1040, introduced by Assembly Member Alvarez, seeks to establish a Community College Mentoring Credit Program. This program mandates that the governing boards of community college districts create systems pairing student mentors over the age of 18 with youth under 18, contingent on the mentors passing a criminal background check and receiving specific training. Mentors are required to engage in mentoring sessions for a minimum of two hours at least twice a month for either two semesters or three quarters, thereby fostering educational guidance for younger students. The program is positioned within the California Education Code as a way to enhance the mentorship opportunities available in community colleges.
Concerns surrounding AB 1040 may arise regarding its implementation and the necessary funding to support local agencies involved in this new program. The bill includes provisions for reimbursement of costs mandated by the state if recognized by the Commission on State Mandates, which means local community colleges will need to navigate these financial considerations carefully. The requirement for community college districts to form partnerships with existing community-based mentoring programs could also prompt discussions about resource allocation and efficacy, especially in areas with differing levels of community support and engagement.