Become a Mentor

  • Why does Mentoring matter?
  • They need mentors like you.
  • What does being a mentor look like?
  • How do I benefit from being a mentor?
  • Become a Mentor
  • Mentor Expectations, Time Commitments, Benefits for Mentors
  • Mentoring Opportunities & Application Process

The Shelby County Youth Assistance Program is accepting applications for new mentors. We have two Mentoring Programs: Individual Mentoring & Group Mentoring. We are currently not accepting applications for our Group Mentoring Program. We are always accepting applications for our Individual Mentoring Program.

Individual Mentoring

Currently Accepting Applications

· One-on-one match between a mentor and their mentee

· Mentors and mentees meet for 1 hour a week for 1 calendar year

· Mentors are responsible for planning and coordinating activities with the mentee and their parents

· Still have questions? Check out our FAQs.

Group Mentoring

Currently Accepting Applications

· Group setting with multiple mentees and multiple mentors

· Group Mentoring meets for 2 hours after school on Thursdays at the YMCA.

· Supplies and activities are provided by SCYAP; mentors are NOT responsible for planning or coordinating

What are the requirements?

  • · Must be at least 21 years old
  • · Clean background check
  • · Good driving record
  • · No use of illicit drugs
  • · No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
  • · Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years
  • · Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years

What does it take to be a good mentor?

  • · Willing listener
  • · Encouraging and supportive
  • · Patient and flexible
  • · Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
  • · Trustworthy and dependable

How do mentors benefit from this program?

  • · Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
  • · Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
  • · Training sessions and group activities
  • · Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
  • · Personal ongoing support
  • · Group activities, participant recognition events

How do I get started?

  • · Complete Mentor Application online
  • · Conduct personal interview
  • · Complete criminal background check: federal, state, child abuse and neglect, sexual & violent offender registry
  • · Provide three personal references
  • · Attend new mentor training
  • · Begin mentoring!
Mentor Application

Still have questions? Send us a message.

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