Meadowlark Elementary Mentoring Program

General Information

The Meadowlark Mentoring Program is a community partnership that connects volunteer attorneys and other legal professionals with elementary students through weekly mentorship opportunities. Founded in 2020, the initiative began as a collaboration between UCLI and Mr. John Arthur’s sixth-grade classroom at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City. Since then, dozens of attorneys, judges, law students, and legal professionals from across Utah have volunteered their time to encourage and inspire the next generation.

Meadowlark Elementary is a Title I school located in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Many students come from historically underserved communities and face barriers to educational opportunities. Through this program, volunteer mentors help students strengthen their writing, communication, and critical thinking skills while introducing them to careers in law and public service.

Each mentor is paired with students for weekly mentoring sessions throughout the school year. These conversations not only support classroom learning but also help students build confidence, develop meaningful relationships with positive role models, and begin to imagine themselves pursuing higher education and professional careers.

In addition to the weekly mentoring program, UCLI partners with Meadowlark Elementary throughout the year on community engagement efforts. Most recently, UCLI collaborated with the school on its annual Back-to-School Drive, providing hundreds of backpacks, school supplies, and community resources to students and families before the start of the academic year.

Whether you are an attorney, law student, judge, paralegal, legal assistant, or someone passionate about supporting young learners, we invite you to become part of this growing community of mentors!

Purpose

The purpose of the Meadowlark Mentoring Program is to inspire students to believe in their potential by connecting them with positive role models from the legal profession. Through consistent mentorship, students gain confidence in their academic abilities while developing communication, writing, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their education.

The program also seeks to increase students’ awareness of higher education and careers in law by providing meaningful interactions with attorneys and law students who reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. By building these relationships early, UCLI hopes to expand educational opportunities and encourage more young people to see themselves as future leaders in their communities.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways to support the Meadowlark Mentoring Program throughout the school year. Volunteers can serve as weekly mentors, participate as classroom or career speakers, or assist with community service projects such as family engagement events, literacy activities, and the annual Back-to-School Drive. If you are interested in becoming a weekly mentor, sign up here. 

Who Can Volunteer?

The Meadowlark Mentoring Program welcomes volunteers from across Utah’s legal community, including:

  • Attorneys
  • Judges
  • Law students
  • Paralegals
  • Legal assistants
  • Legal professionals
  • Individuals interested in supporting educational opportunity and youth mentorship

No previous mentoring experience is required. 

Volunteer Expectations

Mentorship

  • Meet virtually with assigned student(s) once each week during the school year for thirty minutes during the mentoring hour. 
  • Create a positive, encouraging, and respectful environment for students.
  • Support classroom writing and literacy activities as directed by the teacher.

Commitment

  • Commit to participating consistently throughout the school year whenever possible.
  • Notify UCLI if circumstances prevent continued participation so another volunteer can be assigned.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with the Meadowlark Initiative provides an opportunity to:

  • Make a lasting impact in the life of a young student.
  • Encourage confidence, literacy, and academic success.
  • Help students envision future educational and career opportunities.
  • Strengthen connections between Utah’s legal community and local schools.
  • Promote educational equity through mentorship and service.

Many volunteers report that mentoring becomes one of the most rewarding experiences of their year.

Create Impact and Support Growth for the Future

Frequently asked questions

Anyone with an interest in supporting elementary students is encouraged to volunteer. Attorneys, judges, law students, and other legal professionals are especially encouraged to participate.

No. Volunteers receive guidance from UCLI and classroom teachers, and mentoring focuses on encouraging students rather than formal instruction.

Mentors volunteer approximately 30 minutes each week during the school year.

Mentoring sessions are held virtually during the school day, with opportunities for in-person engagement with students two to three times a year.

Yes. Because mentoring sessions are conducted virtually, volunteers from outside Utah are welcome to join.

Volunteer registration opens before each school year. Interested volunteers can contact UCLI to receive updates and registration information at or they can sign up here.

Yes. In addition to mentoring, UCLI partners with Meadowlark Elementary on community service initiatives, including the annual Back-to-School Drive and other projects that support students, teachers, and families throughout the year.

Meadowlark Mentoring Program Impact

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