Criteria for Selection:

• Good student, but not likely to go on to post-high school education without mentoring and financial assistance. 
• Special personal character (ex: tenacity, determination to succeed, grit).
• Financial need.
• Likely to stay in the school community.
• Will participate fully in the program.
• Able to speak and understand English, since the program will be administered only in English.

Selection Procedure:

School principals will select students then consult with newly available "Washington Street" mentors before making final selections which are then approved by the Washington Street Steering Committee.

Mentors select their own student from nominees provided by the school principal.  Selection is usually in the second half of the 4^th grade year.

Mentor Requirements:

Training: Mentors are required to complete an initial mentoring class and such other classes and requirements as decided by the steering committee.  To comply with our programs insurance policy, mentors are also required to provide proof of auto insurance.

Expenses: Each mentor can recommend up to $1,000 yearly in funds to spend on each student for the following expenses: field trips, camps, tutoring, special classes, fees, special classes, and uniforms.  The mentor can also request additional funds from the steering committee.

Student Requirements: 

• Meet with your mentor at least twice a month.
• Support all Washington Street Foundation activities.
• Exhibit positive behavior in and out of school and complete all school requirements.
• Try for your personal best in everything you do.
• Maintain a 2.75 or better GPA in all of your core courses.
• Remain drug, crime and violence free.
• Perform a minimum of 4 hours community service per year. 

Activities between scholars and mentors:

At least two meetings a month are required between scholar and mentor:

• A group meeting between all the scholars and mentors together.  That meeting will be at an interesting and entertaining site, such as a museum, park or sports stadium.
• A separate meeting arranged between mentor and student.

The mentor will also be a participant in parent-student-teacher conferences.

Post-Secondary Scholarship Assistance: 

• An award of up to $5,000 a year will be available for post-high school education, upon the approval of the steering committee, in conjunction with the Student’s mentor.
• The award is to be used for tuition, books, fees and other expenses.
• A maximum sum of $20,000 is available for higher education for each student, depending upon the chosen program.
• The steering committee can consider postgraduate scholarships upon recommendation of the mentor, and after conducting a review of scholarship amounts available for future years. 

The following requirements will be in effect: 

• The first two years of additional schooling beyond high school must be located in Maricopa County, Arizona.
• A Washington Street student must be full-time (understood to be a minimum of 12 credit hours). 

Removal from Program:

The intent of the program is to be flexible and help make every Washington Street student a winner.  However, there are certain situations that will be cause for review of the student’s status. 

• Student moving from the Washington Street Fund’s school attendance area.
• Non-cooperation.  The mentor, together with the principal, can recommend to the steering committee, which has the final authority, a student’s removal from the program at any time for non-cooperation.
• Failure to adhere to the Washington Street Fund’s student requirements.