Become a Mentor
Mentoring is key to the success of the Youth ChalleNGe Program. The ChalleNGe mentoring model is a "friendly match" in which the youth identifies someone who will be a friend and support system for him or her during the 12-month post-residential phase. This ensures that mentors will play an ongoing role in the student's life, in the Program, and very often, beyond.
Potential mentors are screened and trained prior to being matched with a student mid-way through the residential phase. Mentors are required to have four monthly contacts with the cadet and one meeting in person. Mentors and students discuss the student's future plans and spend off-site time together, often providing service to the community or exploring job and school options.
However, not all students are able to identify a friendly match, so the programs are often in need of additional mentors. Only half of the programs currently have enough mentors to assign to each student. The Foundation is seeking local officials, civic groups, business leaders and individuals to volunteer as mentors for ChalleNGe students.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about mentoring opportunities, please email us.
