Become a Mentor: Operation Jump Start

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College Access begins equipping students in the 8th-grade with resources and continues to guide them on the path to college for the next three years. This is realized through individualized academic advising and intervention. Parents are also provided with new capabilities to create environments that allow their students to academically thrive. College Access students discover their full potential and enjoy an increase in confidence. With the opportunity to engage in educational workshops, social events, and cultural events, students deepen their ties to the Long Beach community and the world at large.

Our mentors are community volunteers, over the age of 24 with a college degree. OJS students are individually matched with a volunteer of the same gender for a long-term relationship of guidance (3 years) and coaching, leading to eventual college entrance. Our mentors spend four to six hours a month with their mentee. These required hours are satisfied by attending OJS events (view our calendar of events here), phone and/or communicating via text and email. This mentorship provides our young people with guidance and assistance to help them achieve their educational, social and personal goals.


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 12 months or longer

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One, Group, Team, E-Mentoring, Peer

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Adjudicated/court involved, College/Post-secondary Student, First-Generation College, Foster, Residential or Kinship Care, Gang At-Risk, Gang involved, General Youth Population, Gifted/Talented/Academic Achiever, Homeless/Runaway, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Mental Health Issues, Parent Involved in Military, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs, Pregnant/Parenting, Recent Immigrant/Refugee, Single-Parent Household, Youth with Disabilities

Mentoring Program Goals: Career Exploration, Education/Academic Support, Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors, Job Placement/Performance, Reduce Recidivism

Ages of Youth Served: 11-14, 15-18