CAP supports students in grades preK-12 in all Bozeman and Big Sky Public School Districts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.