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CAP Mentoring Program

Parent Portal

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

  • Portrait of Ashley Myers

    Ashley Myers

    CAP Coordinator - SMS & BHS

  • Portrait of Darby May

    Darby May

    CAP Coordinator - CJMS & GHS

  • Portrait of Ramy Mehta

    Ramy Mehta

    CAP Coordinator - Big Sky

  • Portrait of Sophia Fortunato

    Sophia Fortunato

    Engagement & Events Coordinator

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

  • Thriving Dads: Come Make a Gingerbread House

    December 16 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    Location: Thrive

    Dinner and supplies provided. DEC 16 | 5:30-7PM REGISTER HERE

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  • Mama Meetups – Mindfulness & Art

    December 19 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    Location: Thrive

    Join us for a short mindfulness moment and art activity for adults and kids Free Event  |  Registration Required

    Read More

  • Thriving Dads – MSU Bobcats Hockey Game

    January 25, 2025 @ 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm

    Location: Haynes Pavilion

    Free events for kids & their father figures. Come support MSU Bobcats Hockey. Concession food provided. Registration required.

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  • Trivia for a Cause

    January 27, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Location: Midtown Event Space

    Join us to celebrate National Mentoring Month. Grab your friends and head over to Midtown Event Space for our Trivia Night. The fun kicks off at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Expect…

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From the CAP Blog

February Mentors in the Spotlight

February 2022 CAP 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…

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January Mentors in the Spotlight

Each month we honor mentors who go above and beyond. This month we are excited to announce that Liz Reeve (Meadowlark Elementary) and Lauren Brendel (Hawthorne Elementary), are our January Mentors in the Spotlight! …

Read More