Y.A.Y. Youth Mentor

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The mentoring program provides youth with an opportunity to work with an
individual that is chosen specifically based upon the needs of the youth participant.
The youth participant is provided with an assessment upon acceptance into the
program.

Our Mentoring program is a vital element in our programming offerings. The objective of the
program is to match an adult mentor with a participant (mentee) whose experience and
knowledge can empower the mentee to make positive life choices and enable the mentee to
maximize their potential.

The Mentor must be committed to supporting, guiding and being a friend to the mentee for a
period of at least one year. YAY Mentors will become part of the social network of adults and
other community members who care about the youth and can provide positive reinforcement so
that the youth can help him/herself move in the right direction by making positive choices and
reach their academic, career and personal goals.

Mentor Role

• Take the lead in supporting a young person through an on-going, one-on-one relationship.
• Serve as a positive role model
• Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
• Strive for mutual respect
• Build self-esteem and motivation
• Help set goals for identified issues that the mentee (participant) may have.

• One-year commitment
• Spend a minimum of eight (8) hours per month one-on-one with mentee
• Communicate with the mentee, in some form, on a weekly basis.
• All mentors must attend an initial one-hour training/orientation session.
• Attend optional mentor/mentee group events

• Mentors must be at 19 years old
• Be interested in working with young people
• Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Be willing to complete the application and screening process
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
• Attend mentor training sessions
• Be willing to communicate regularly with other Mentor program staff, submit activity information and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities.
• Have access to an automobile
• Must have a valid drivers’ license, car insurance and a good driving record
• Must submit to a BCI background check with a clean history
• Must not use illicit drugs
• Must not misuse alcohol
• Not currently be in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at
• least five (5) years
• Not be currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for same in the past three (3) years.

• Willing and able to listen
• Encouraging and supportive
• Patient and flexible
• Tolerant and respectful of mentees ’cultural, gender and sexual orientation differences.
• Benefits
• Personal fulfillment through positive contributions to community and the mentee
• Training sessions and group activities
• Tax deductible mileage
• Complimentary tickets to some community events

• Written application
• Copy of valid drivers’ license and proof of auto insurance
• Criminal background check through BCI
• Personal interview
• Provide three (3) personal references
• Attend one hour mentor training