| Mentoring USA | Become a mentor | Screening process |
Mentoring USA screens prospective mentors by:
- Reviewing Mentoring USA applications.
- Fingerprinting all prospective mentors in order to conduct a criminal background check through theGoPassProgram (details below).
- Requesting 3 personal references on all applications. References can not be relatives and reference checks are conducted over the phone.
- Utilizing"New Mentor Training" sessions as informal interviews.
What is Go Pass?
The Go Pass initiative offers nonprofits a simple and reliable screening process for volunteers. Go Pass aims to increase the capacity of volunteerism at nonprofits serving children and youth, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations. This initiative is operated as a partnership between NYC Service, the NYC Department of Education and the Fund for the City of New York.
Background Check
Your name and fingerprints will be sent to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a nationwide criminal background check.
The background check can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days.
You can withdraw your Go Pass application at any stage in this process.
Green Light
If there is no need for additional information or clarification, you will be considered eligible for Go Pass service. You will receive a welcome notice via email, and you can start using your Go Pass card.
Red Light
If there is a need for additional information or clarification, you will receive a notice from the NYC Department of Education's Office of Personnel Investigation asking for your permission to investigate the matter. You will have an opportunity to explain the situation to the investigators, who will work to determine your final eligibility for Go Pass service.
You can withdraw your Go Pass application at any time, which will end the investigation.
You will be advised during training on how to get fingerprinted.
Some sites require an additional interview with their Site Supervisor and the Mentoring USA Volunteer Manager will facilitate that process when necessary.
