VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MENTORS WANTED!! We are currently looking for volunteer mentors who reside in Denver or the surrounding areas to join RAMP to serve our youth in various Denver Public schools both virtually and in-person. Virtual and in-person is based off each school's COVID restrictions.

The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a high-tech, career-focused mentoring program for youth involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, including those with disabilities. The RAMP model uses a combination of group, peer, and one-on-one mentoring to promote the successful transition of RAMP youth to employment, continued learning opportunities, and independent living. Youth participate in weekly career preparation-focused group meetings, including peer-supported goal setting and exploration of careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). While in RAMP, youth have the opportunity to assess and explore their own career interests; develop a plan and set goals for their transition; create a resource map of their community’s high-tech industries; gain workplace soft skills; build resume-writing and interviewing skills; interact with employers and experience a variety of work settings; give and receive peer support; take advantage of group and personal leadership opportunities; design and build a high-tech-related team project, and most importantly... have fun!

Ability Connection Colorado’s, Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP), is seeking adult volunteers both in-person and virtual to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one year. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Role of the Mentor

• Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship.
• Serve as a positive role model and friend.
• Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together.
• Strive for mutual respect.
• Build self-esteem and motivation.
• Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them.

Participation Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Reside in Denver metro area.
• 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 as prescribed.
• Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities.
• If background includes court involvement, be able to demonstrate current good standing with the justice system and the personal capacity to serve as a consistent, positive role model and mentor for youth.
• If background includes alcohol and/or substance abuse and/or a mental health need, be able to demonstrate completed or ongoing treatment, as well as a reasonable period of continuous sobriety or stability and the personal capacity to serve as a consistent, positive role model and mentor for youth.

Take a look at what our wonderful participants have to say about RAMP and their mentors!