Our Mission
To positively impact the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential through mentoring.
What TeamMates Does
TeamMates connect students from 2nd grade through post-secondary with qualified mentors across a five-state area.
I have had the pleasure to mentor three different children. They all have impacted me in different ways. Each has strengths that have been fun to watch develop. It has really helped me see the strength in others outside of TeamMates and build up others as welL.”
How does TeamMates Work?
TeamMates matches students with safe, caring adults to meet once a week during the school year at the student’s school. Together, they build a lasting relationship through fun activities and conversations to build the confidence and strengths of the mentee.
Who Can Become a Mentor?
Mentors must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or
GED equivalent. Potential mentors must complete an extensive
background and reference check, as well as training.
How to Become A Mentor
To apply, adults can go online to TeamMates.org to fill out an application. Our Training and Program Services team assists chapters with screening potential mentors. A local representative will train the new mentor after receiving their application.
Who can become a Mentee?
Any student who wants a mentor can have one. We match students as young as 2nd grade all the way through post-secondary.
How can a Student Sign Up?
Students can nominate themselves, or a parent or school staff person can nominate them to join TeamMates. However, all students must want to be in TeamMates before they are matched with a mentor! Anyone wishing to nominate a student can talk to their local TeamMates Coordinator.
Our History
TeamMates Mentoring was founded in 1991 by Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne with the hope to positively impact the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential through mentoring.
The program began with 22 University of Nebraska-Lincoln football players and 22 Lincoln middle school boys. TeamMates expanded to serve both boys and girls as young as second grade through college. After high school, students have an opportunity to continue with the TeamMates+ program.
Total Youth Served
%
Academic Improvement
%
Fewer Disciplinary Referrals
%
Fewer Unexcused Absences
%
High School Graduation Rate
%
Seniors with a Post-Secondary Plan
The TeamMates Mentoring Program has many ways to give that will significantly impact our students.
Ways your contributions make an impact:
$50: Funds one background check.
Safety is our number 1 priority and a core value.
$500: The average cost per year for a TeamMates Mentoring match.
TeamMates currently supports about 10,000 matches per year in a five-state region at one-fourth the cost of the national average.
$1,500: Is the average cost of a local program’s annual participation fee.
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$15,000: will help open a new local program.
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