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The Florida Grantor, Fall 2005

The Able Trust Launches e-Mentoring Program

As our fast paced society becomes more technologically savvy, The Able Trust offers a practical solution to promote career development for students with disabilities. The Able Trust’s e-Mentoring program connects a caring adult with a student with a disability to provide friendship, support, motivation and encouragement through the convenience of e-mail.

E-Mentoring helps to foster a student’s career development skills through ongoing, regular communication via e-mail with an experienced business person. E-Mentoring differs from traditional mentoring, in that mentoring relationships are often in person and time-limited. Now, through the convenience and availability of online communication, mentors can engage in e-Mentoring whenever there is an Internet connection.

“We believe that career mentoring should move into the 21st century, especially if it offers greater opportunities for students with disabilities,” said Florida Lt. Governor Toni Jennings. “This program is the first of its kind in Florida for these young people, and we know if Florida businesses get behind it, it’s going to work.”

The Able Trust’s e-Mentoring program affords both students with disabilities and volunteer business mentors the opportunity to expand their participation in Disability Mentoring Day beyond the one-day experience. Governor Jeb Bush is already e-Mentoring a student with autism and business leaders are signing up daily.

All participants are screened for security purposes. Once the screening process is complete, employers and students are matched by The Able Trust to form a mentoring partnership. Each is provided with a secure e-mail address to correspond weekly, monthly or whatever his or her schedule permits. All mentoring communications are monitored throughout the relationship to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.

The Able Trust’s e-Mentoring program is made possible through the Volunteer Florida Foundation. For more information about e-Mentoring or to sign up to be or get a mentor, visit www.abletrust.org/ementor.