Seoul's Jung-gu district is accepting applications through Sept. 1 for its second-half "College Student Mentoring" program, seeking 70 mentors and 70 mentees. Building on a 94.9 percent satisfaction rate in the first half of the year, the district is continuing its effort to help local youth with academic studies and career planning.
The program pairs college student mentors with youth mentees one-on-one, providing guidance on core subjects and career exploration. Sessions will run for about 12 weeks from September through December via an online video platform.
Any current or leave-of-absence student enrolled at a university or graduate school in Seoul or the greater metropolitan area may apply as a mentor. Applicants can download the application form from the Jung-gu district office website, attach proof of enrollment or leave status, and submit the completed form by email. Mentees must be students from sixth grade of elementary school through the first year of high school and may apply through their school. For further details, contact the Jung-gu district office's education policy division.
The district has refined its second-half selection criteria based on first-half results. Students who attend only regular classes will be given priority, and a mid-program feedback process for parents has been strengthened to improve monitoring.
Sessions are scheduled one to two times per week for at least one hour each, totaling 30 or more hours over the program period, with scheduling and subject choices left to each matched pair. Mentors will receive volunteer service hours and reimbursement for expenses including textbooks, video platform fees and snacks. Top performers, evaluated on activity records and mentee satisfaction, will receive a commendation from the district mayor and be considered for scholarships from the Jung-gu Talent Development Scholarship Foundation.
Ahead of the second-half program, the district will hold a one-day "Summer Vacation ESG Experience Mentoring" session at Dongguk University on Monday and Wednesday, targeting about 50 elementary school students. Sixteen student mentors will lead hands-on environmental activities — including making eco-friendly punch and reducing carbon footprints — along with a campus tour.
"The college student mentoring program is a meaningful initiative that connects outstanding young talent with local youth to narrow the learning gap," district mayor Kim Gil-sung said. "We will spare no administrative support to ensure that the young people who are the future of our district are not left behind in educational opportunities."
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