Leaders of the Forsyth County school system’s mentoring program will hold a training and information session Monday.

Lindsey Shadburn, mentoring program assistant, said the event, which is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Office, is open to anyone interested in becoming a mentor through the system.

“There is no R.S.V.P. required to attend, but everyone must complete an application and background check,” Shadburn said. “The only requirements to be a mentor are attending the training and completing a background check.”

She said mentors through the school program commit to spending 30 minutes a week during school hours with their student on school grounds.

Mentors can choose to spend time with students at either the elementary or middle school level.

She said mentors are important to students for a number of reasons.

“Mentors help young people face the challenge of growing into adulthood,” she said. “By setting a positive example and sharing their time, knowledge and experience, mentors play an essential role in preparing our youth for a bright future.”

She added that mentors can also be powerful influences to help students with academics and preparing for the future.

They can also greatly deter students from negative behaviors such as substance abuse and violence.

“Mentors help build young people’s character and confidence, expand their universe and help them navigate pathways to successful adulthood,” Shadburn said.

She said the purpose of Monday’s training is to make mentors feel comfortable as they begin the process of working with a student.

The training will include guidelines for being a mentor and a question-and-answer session.

The school system currently has some 525 active mentors, who spent more than 2,000 hours with students from August to December. But there’s always room for more.