ASPIRE program seeks new volunteers

The New Year marks a cultural beginning to new promises, ideas, and mindsets. You may have the resolution to give more to others; being a part of the ASPIRE (Access to Student Assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) program as a volunteer mentor is a great way to fulfill this desire.

The goal of ASPIRE is to normalize and celebrate the future. They do this through furthering student preparation for a post-high school life through experience under community mentorship.

This year ASPIRE has a new College and Career Specialist, Dana Charpentier (“Coach C” to students). Charpentier has worked at Sisters High School for three years, student-teaching and fulfilling roles as a physical fitness/track coach. She moved from San Diego to Sisters with her three children because she “wanted to be involved in an amazing school.”

However, a recent YouthTruth Survey taken by Sisters High School students pointed out the lack of preparation they felt for life beyond high school. 

“We really want to normalize talking about the future. The earlier you do it the better, it’s not scary, it’s just a normal conversation,” said Charpentier.

To improve this gap the ASPIRE Program is pushing for as many volunteers as possible to pair with students for the new year. Being an ASPIRE mentor is a great opportunity to create a connection with younger generations and help guide local high school students who may feel lost or indecisive when it comes to their future. 

Mentors don’t need to have college education, nor do they need to invest tremendous amounts of their time into their mentorship role. They do, however, need to have a drive to support students and guide them as needed.

All mentor training happens when you sign up, so there’s no prerequisite knowledge needed. Anybody can be a mentor and any SHS student can participate in the ASPIRE Program.

“This isn’t about pressure, just support. We want all junior and senior parents to know all students are encouraged to be a part of the ASPIRE program,” says SistersGRO Executive Director Regan Roberts. “ASPIRE is for everyone, no matter financial or social factors. It’s not a pie, everyone can get a slice.”

ASPIRE works closely with SistersGRO, a local scholarship program at Sisters High School, and this year they’ve introduced Carol Zosel as the newest member of the GRO board. SistersGRO scholarships open late January for students, but applications for ASPIRE mentorship are welcome at any time.

Those interested may contact Charpentier at [email protected]. For further information, contact Sisters High School at 541-549-4045.