CAP Mentoring Program
For Parents
Support for kids when they need it most.
The CAP program connects school-age children with individual mentors who work one-on-one to help them succeed.
What is the CAP Program?
The Child Advancement Project (CAP) matches community volunteers in the Bozeman and Big Sky Public Schools with children in grades preK-12. CAP Mentors work one-on-one with children to increase academic and social competency and to enhance opportunities for academic challenge. Mentors provide support and encouragement, help students discover and build upon their individual strengths, and affirm student’s ability to shape their own futures. Mentors are screened, trained and supervised by CAP Coordinators. Thrive’s locally-grown CAP program was listed on the National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices as an evidence-based program.
What age groups does CAP support?
CAP supports students in grades preK-12 in all Bozeman and Big Sky Public School Districts.
How can I get a CAP Mentor for my student?
In order to participate in the CAP program, students must be nominated by a parent or school staff member. Students can be nominated for a variety of reasons, for example: being new to school, needing academic enrichment opportunities, help with homework, or having a transition (such as a divorce) in their family.
If you would like to nominate your student, we recommend talking to your child’s teacher(s). More for information, please contact your CAP Coordinator.
What children benefit from a CAP Mentor?
Typically, students are matched with a Mentor to get some extra help with academics, social skills, or sometimes for enrichment opportunities. Here are some examples of situations whereby a student may benefit from having a CAP Mentor:
- Family going through a divorce or change in family dynamics
- Struggling with academics or organizational skills
- Loss of a loved one
- Showing signs of depression or despondency
- New to town or starting at a new school
- Accelerated academics or special interest area
- Struggling with friends or social situations
- Just needs someone to talk to
If you know a student who would benefit from this program, talk to your school’s CAP Coordinator today.
Can I meet my child's CAP Mentor?
Yes. Typically CAP Coordinators are able to arrange a meet and greet for CAP parents to get to know their child’s Mentor. These meetings take place before or after a match’s normal CAP session and last approximately 5-10 minutes. Please contact your school’s CAP Coordinator to arrange a meeting.
What kind of screening does Thrive conduct for volunteers?
Student safety is our utmost priority and Thrive carefully screens each mentor to ensure that they can be placed with a student. To become a volunteer, applicants must pass a seven-stage process that includes a criminal background check, reference screening, an in-person interview and the completion of five hours of training during their first year.
What do CAP matches do together?
CAP activities are based on the individual goals and needs of the student and look different for each match. Goals are determined by school staff members, parents, and students.
Matches often finish homework, study for upcoming exams, chat, play board games, do crafts, create projects, or spend time outside on the playground and/or school courtyards.
Will my child miss class time?
CAP matches meet during the school day; anywhere from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. The teacher(s) and the CAP Coordinator at each school are responsible for determining the most appropriate time for a student to meet with their mentor. This can take place during an academic time so that the student may receive extra one-on-one support from the mentor on the subject at hand, during lunch, study hall or an elective period. CAP Coordinators also receive input from the parents and students when finding a match schedule.
What are some benefits students see when participating in the CAP Program?
The CAP program has been shown to improve students’ academic performance and increase class participation and attendance. Students have also been shown to feel more connected to their school community, and have fewer behavioral issues at school.
Will my student have outside contact with their Mentor?
The CAP Program does not share personal information with Mentors or students and their parents, and CAP Coordinators discourage the sharing of this as well. As a school-based mentoring program, Mentors are screened to volunteer and meet with students in the school setting.
Is my child guaranteed a Mentor if they are nominated?
Not all students who are nominated are matched with a Mentor. It is dependent on availability of openings at their school, and the availability of an appropriate Mentor.
A letter to parents of CAP students:
Dear Parent,
Your child has been selected to participate in the Child Advancement Project (CAP) this year! CAP is a signature program of Bozeman-based nonprofit, Thrive. Thrive provides programs that strengthen families in our community in order to help local children thrive.
CAP provides one-on-one mentoring for students, giving students individualized attention and support to enhance their academic and social success. CAP has been a popular program in the Bozeman Public Schools since 1989!
How was my child referred to CAP?
Students are referred to CAP by their classroom teacher, other school personnel, or by you – the parent.
Why was my child nominated for CAP?
Students can be nominated for a variety of reasons, including: extra help with academics, social skills, or academic/social enrichment opportunities.
Who will mentor my child?
CAP Mentors are community volunteers who are carefully recruited, screened, trained, and supervised by Thrive staff to provide individualized support to your child. Students meet with their Mentor at school once a week during the school year. Thrive selects a specific Mentor for your child that best “fits” your child’s individual goals, needs, and interests.
A collaborative team consisting of your child’s teacher(s), principal, CAP program staff, and other appropriate school professionals review the mentoring goals set for each student and assist the Mentor and student in working together to achieve those goals.
When will my child and their Mentor meet?
CAP is a school-based program. CAP students meet with their Mentor at their school during normal school hours and are supervised by Thrive’s CAP staff at the school. If your child is a student at Bozeman High School and you have given your child permission to meet off-campus, the CAP Match may meet off-campus but must still meet during normal school hours. Please note: if you allow your child to meet with their Mentor outside of the school day or off campus, this meeting is not part of the CAP program and Thrive is not responsible for your child during these times.
Student Surveys
Each year, Thrive evaluates the effectiveness of the CAP program. If your child participates in CAP, they will be surveyed at the beginning and the end of each school year about: the helpfulness of their CAP Mentor, their social behaviors, and their academic skills. All evaluation surveys will be kept confidential.
We are so excited to have your child be part of the CAP program! Please reach out to Thrive at 587-3840 with any questions, concerns, or to obtain additional information.
Thank you!
-Thrive’s CAP Staff
Meet Our CAP Coordinators
CAP Coordinators are professional Thrive staff members who support students and volunteers during the mentoring process.
Choose Your Path
Become a CAP Mentor
Join our network of over 300 local volunteers.
Contact the CAP Team
Contact us today to see how the CAP program can benefit your child.
Mentor in the Spotlight
Meet some of our outstanding volunteers.
Does Mentorship Really Matter?
Learn what former Bozeman high school principal Godfrey Saunders has to say about the Child Advancement Project.
Thank you for coming every Friday to see me. You make me feel special and smart. Remember I’ll call you this summer to go out for a day or something. You’re the best Mentor ever!
— 5th Grade CAP Student’s Thank You Card
Upcoming Family Events
2025 FEB Mentors in the Spotlight
Each month we honor mentors who go above and beyond. This month we are excited to announce that Nancy Filbin (Sacajawea Middle) and Kregg Aytes (Irving Elementary), are our February Mentors in the Spotlight! Congratulations, Nancy and Kregg! CAP Mentor: Nancy...
February Mentors in the Spotlight
Each month we honor mentors who go above and beyond. This month we are excited to announce that Chris Cisneros (Chief Joseph Middle) and Gina Carolan (Irving Elementary), are our February Mentors in the Spotlight! Congratulations, Chris and Gina! CAP Mentor: Chris...