Teammates Mentoring Program
About Teammates Mentoring Program
Teammates Mentoring Program pairs students with caring adult mentors for one-on-one meetings at school, week after week. That kind of steady relationship matters, especially when it can start in 3rd grade and continue through high school or even post-secondary graduation. For students moving through college, trade school, apprenticeships, certification programs, or the military, the support does not just disappear at the finish line. It can continue with mentoring, scholarships, strengths coaching, and emergency funds.
What sets Teammates apart is the long view. The mentoring happens weekly at school in one-to-one relationships, and it can last for years, then continue after high school for students who still need support. That gives donors a way to back something simple and durable: a steady adult presence in a student’s life.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
School-based mentoring
Students in 3rd to 12th grade are matched with a mentor and meet weekly at school for 30 to 60 minutes during the school day.
Post-secondary mentoring
Post-secondary students are paired with mentors who contact them twice a month to provide guidance, encouragement, and support through college, trade school, apprenticeships, certification programs, or the military.
Scholarships
Post-secondary students can apply for scholarships to continue their education.
Emergency funds
Post-secondary students can access emergency funds.
Strengths coaching
Post-secondary students can access strengths coaching as part of their support.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To positively impact the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential through mentoring.
Who they serve
Students in 3rd grade through high school and post-secondary students.
Their impact
- More than 51,000 students have been served since the program began in 1991.
- 92% of mentors report leaving their visits in a better mood than when they arrived.
How your donation helps
- Recruit, screen, and train new mentors
- Background checks and annual fees for local chapters
- Support local programs
- Scholarships and program sustainability
Our story
Teammates Mentoring was founded in 1991 by Coach Tom Osborne and Nancy Osborne, who believed that positive relationships could change lives. It started in Lincoln with 22 Husker football players mentoring middle school students, then grew from there.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Teammates Mentoring Program’s services.
Students in 3rd through 12th grade can be matched with a mentor during the school day, and post-secondary students can be paired with a mentor for twice-monthly support. Post-secondary students can also apply for scholarships, strengths coaching, and emergency funds.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"Mentoring is not transactional; it is relational."
"TeamMates has been a huge part of my life. My mentee is one of my closest friends."
"I feel my TeamMate has done more for me than I have for her."
Events
Osborne Family Legacy Annual Golf Tournament
annualAn annual fundraiser in support of TeamMates Mentoring held at Iron Horse Golf Club in Ashland, Nebraska.
TeamMates Annual Conference
annualA two-day conference with keynote and breakout sessions for program coordinators and board members to strengthen programs and prepare for the new school year.
TeamMates Scholarship & College Graduation Celebration
annualAn event at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln that honors scholarship recipients and celebrates high school graduation and post-secondary education.
TeamMates Annual Celebration
annualAn annual gathering in Omaha that celebrates mentoring and raises support for the program.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Teammates Mentoring Program has shared.
Current needs
- More mentors for students who are waiting for a match
Volunteer opportunities
- Apply to become a school-based mentor
- Apply to become a post-secondary mentor
- Complete a background check and mentor training before being matched with a student
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How often do school-based mentors meet with students?
They meet weekly for 30 to 60 minutes during the school day.
How does a school-based match begin?
After the application process, background and reference checks, and a short training, a mentor is matched with a student based on shared interests.
What support is available for post-secondary students?
Post-secondary students get mentor contact twice a month, plus access to scholarships, strengths coaching, and emergency funds.