The Remodeled Mentor Program

Avon Old Farms School is excited to announce the relaunch of the Avon Edge Mentor Program, an effort which creates mutually rewarding relationships by connecting students and alumni with similar major, college, and career interests.

The goal of the Avon Edge Mentor Program is to strengthen the brotherhood across all classes by creating opportunities for our alumni to share their knowledge and experiences with younger Avonians.

The program is broken into three branches:

- the New Student Mentor Program

- the College Mentor Program

- the Career Mentor Program

The New Student Mentor Program matches incoming Avon students with trained Avon Old Farms recent graduates (1 -7 years). It is an opportunity for our young alumni to pass along their expert knowledge of the Avon experience.

A mentor would be able to field questions like, "what is my English teacher like," "how many blazers do I need to pack," or even, "what is the food like on campus?"

The College Mentor Program connects current Avon Old Farms juniors and seniors with young alumni presently on the same or similar college path. A current student can benefit from the insight of a fellow Avonian (graduate within 1 - 5 years) who is either attending the college or studying the subject of the younger student's interest. A mentor can build upon his foundations of leadership by coming alongside a younger student.

The Career Mentor Program connects young alumni with established alumni who are experienced in a similar industry or field. A budding professional can benefit from the insight and direction of a fellow Avonian's real-world experience in their industry. A mentor can build upon his foundations of leadership by helping a young man pursuing his new career path.

These connections are already happening on their own, as Jackie Chen, Avon class of 2015, and Chris Stone, class of 1988, can attest:

"Chris and I first met when I was a freshman at Avon," said Jackie Chen, currently a student at Washington University in St. Louis. "We met in the art studio during reunion weekend and started a conversation about architecture and art. His experience with opening his own firm inspired me and gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my passion for art and architecture. As a freshman in college I interned with Chris's firm Stonefox and got a huge jump on my career. I really felt like I was being taken care of by my older Avon brothers."

The Alumni Office at Avon recognizes the value in establishing these relationships and wants to lend a hand in connecting Avon alums and students more often by further building upon the the Avon Edge program.

"One of my favorite things about my new role is to hear from current students and alumni regarding their future needs as they progress to the next phase of their lives," said Director of Alumni and Development James Detora. "Whether students or alumni are looking for sage advice as to college and career decisions or attempting to secure an internship or job, I realize that we have a wealth of expertise within our Avon family. I know from my many years on campus that the brotherhood lives on long past graduation day."

If you are interested in joining the Avon Edge Mentor Program or have questions, please visit the website for more information.