Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar

The mission of Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar (CRSAS) is to assist economically disadvantaged young men and women to graduate from high school and attend college.

CRSAS serves at risk high school students in Albany, Schenectady and Troy.

Website: www.crsas.org

Who can be a sponsored scholar?

A student who is:

  • Nominated by their guidance counselor at a public high school and who carries a B or C average in each course or better

  • Chosen because of financial need, academic and leadership potential, school attendance, desire to attend college and family support.

What support do scholars receive?

  • A mentor to communicate, guide and encourage

  • Weekly mandatory study skills programs to discuss academic and social concerns while in high school

  • Mandatory intensive tutoring in high school for any subject that fails below a 75 average

  • PSAT tutoring during their junior year

  • Referral to support services where necessary

  • College preparation enhancement programs such as local or regional college visits, support with application and financial aid forms, and career exploration

  • Individual meetings with staff as needed

  • A stipend of $6,000 payable to the scholar over 4 years while in college to be used for college related expenses

  • On going support during college from their mentor and CRSAS staff

What is a CRSAS mentor?

  • A supportive adult who serves as a role model and friend to a young person of the same gender

  • A person who listens and offers guidance and encouragement/

  • Someone who shares time and experiences with a young person - perhaps a basketball game, a visit to a college campus, a meal or a cultural event.

Why are mentors important to the success of scholars?

Mentors:

  • Provide guidance, experience and a shoulder to lean on

  • Offer a support system often lacking to many young people

  • Provide information about how to be successful in high school, college and the workplace

Who can be a CRSAS mentor?

  • A person who has preferably attained a college degree

  • Someone with communication skills, compassion and patience

  • Someone who is willing to share time to develop a trusting relationship and participate in activities with their student

  • A person from any walk of life, of any age, of any race or profession, whether working or not

  • Someone who wants to give something back to the community by helping young people in need

  • A team of professionals who provide group support

To ensure the safety of students, all mentors must participate in a state certified child abuse clearance and criminal record check.

What support do CRSAS mentors receive:

  • A 20 page booklet entitled Mentoring Handbook that outlines what it mans to be a CRSAS mentor

  • A CD entitled Mentor Orientation:  Most Frequently Asked Questions About Mentor Student Relationships

  • A college preparation timeline to help focus students and mentors on steps to be taken each semester

  • Support from CRSAS staff to discuss the progress of the mentor's relationship with their scholar and the scholar's family.

For more on Sponsor-A-Scholar

Visit:  www.crsas.org
Email:  sponsorascholar@yahoo.com
Phone:  518-935-1049