Find a Local Mentoring Program
Whether you're interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or finding a mentor for a young person, our Mentoring Connector tool can help! Simply use your zip code to search for a program near you.
If you're looking for personalized help to find a program to fit your unique needs, please reach out to us!
Program Registration
All youth mentoring programs are encouraged to register for the Mentor Connector. It is most helpful to volunteers and families looking to connect when you keep your contact and program information current.
Add your program to the Mentoring Connector by completing this form.
There are three minimum standards required to register a local program:
- Background checks are completed on all adults mentors.
- Training must be provided to mentors to ensure effectiveness, safety and the availability of support.
- A minimum match length requirement, defined by your program to inform the expectation of mentors and mentees.
Become a Mentor
What Makes a Good Mentor
Before becoming a mentor, here are a few things to understand about the role of mentoring. Mentors assume these different roles during the course of a relationship, and share some basic qualities:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a young person
- Respect for young people
- Active listening skills
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Cultural Competency
Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many mentors say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees, and that mentoring has enabled them to:
- Have fun
- Achieve personal growth and learn more about themselves
- Improve their self-esteem and feel they are making a difference
- Enhance their relationships with their own children
Above all, a good mentor is willing to take the time to get to know their mentee, to learn new things that are important to the young person, and even to be changed by their relationship.
Get Started
You have made a wonderful and very important decision in choosing to become a mentor. Before you start to look at the programs that are available, think about and identify your own interests and needs. To help you decide which type of mentoring program you want, ask yourself the following questions:
- What time commitment can I make?
- What age of youth would I like to work with?
- Would I like to work with one child or with a group of children?
- Would I like to team with other adults to mentor a child or a group of children?
- What types of activities interest me? Do I want to help a youth learn a specific skill, pursue an interest, help with schoolwork or just be a caring adult friend?
- What mentoring location would I prefer?
While thinking about these questions, it is helpful to identify your own preferences and needs. Knowing about yourself will help in selecting mentoring programs to better fit your needs and ultimately connect with a young person.
