Volunteer & Mentor

Who is required to have a background check?

In addition to all employees, background checks are required of volunteers, adult and community education instructors, student teachers, and PTA volunteers. Generally, anyone who will spend time on a campus interacting with students is required to have a background check.
 

What exactly is being checked?

The Background Check is a criminal history check prospective volunteers authorize the District to conduct when they complete the volunteer application. CCISD takes the information submitted and runs it against government databases to check for misdemeanor and/or felony violations. 
 

How long does the process take?

Background checks can take 3-4 business days so please submit your form well in advance of the event or activity for which you plan to volunteer.  

How frequently must I have a background check?

The volunteer application and subsequent background checks will be conducted annually. Volunteers will be notified when and if they need to apply again.
 

Do I have to provide my social security number?

No. You do not need to provide this information.
 

What happens if I don't pass the background check?

You will be notified by email if you fail to clear the background check. If this happens, you will not be able to volunteer for some/all duties you applied for. At that point, if you believe there has been a mistake, please contact Safe and Secure Schools at 281-284-0063 for more information.
 

What kinds of offenses will disqualify me from being a volunteer?

Different volunteer positions have different requirements. Generally, the more serious the offense, and the more recent the offense, the more likely it is that you will not be able to serve as a volunteer.
 

I'm having trouble filling out the online form, what can I do?

If you are having trouble completing the form, you may want to try a few things:

• If you are using a mobile device (phone or tablet), try using a desktop or lap top computer.
• Close the form, then re-open and try again.
• Check your browser version. Updating an outdated browser can help solve problems.
• Check the directions carefully, and make sure you are using the correct formats when you type in your information such as phone numbers, and so forth. Also, make sure you complete all fields with an asterisk (*) as those fields are required.
• If you still need help, please contact volunteernow@ccisd.net or call 281.284.0020.
   

I don't have Internet access, can I use a paper application?

Applications are online only. Computers are available at campuses to sign up as a volunteer. Please check with your campus for more information.

What is the time commitment required to be a mentor?
Mentors meet with their mentees one hour a week, on the same day at the same time each week for the entire school year.

Does a mentor get to work with the same student each time?
Yes, the mentors work with one mentee at least one year, with the hope that the mentor will continue with the same mentee as he/she moves up in grades.

What activities do mentors and mentees participate in?
The programs are in place primarily to provide a positive influence for the student’s social and emotional well-being. What a mentor does with a student is mentee-driven. A mentor and mentee could play board games, draw, do a puzzle, talk, read, etc., together. This program is typically not for the mentor to help the mentee with their homework, however, this may be done if both wish to spend the time doing school work.

Can I take my mentee off of school grounds?
No. The mentor and mentee meet in a place designated by the campus administrator. They usually meet in open spaces such as the library, cafeteria, etc.

Can I choose the school I want to mentor at?
No, not all campuses have a mentor program. Mentorship programs are designated for specific campuses.

How do I apply to be a mentor?
Prospective mentors must fill out the CCISD Volunteer Application in English or Spanish and wait to receive an approval notification via email. 

• To become a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, please begin the application process by visiting their website.
• To become a mentor for Kids Hope USA, mentors must be members of a participating church to partner with a student on a campus. The CCISD Mentor Coordinator matches the church with the campus according to campuses’ needs. If your church is interested in participating, please contact Jeanne deVezin.
• A representative from either organization will contact prospective mentors for next steps.