Deadline: September 18, 2019.

Through the Youth Advocates for Mentoring (YAM) program, MENTOR will train 12 young leaders on advocacy, policy, and grassroots organizing skills in order to create positive change in their communities and nation. MENTOR believes that young people must be at the forefront of addressing systemic issues and that this comprehensive training program will provide young people the real life skills they need to communicate with elected officials, address issues in their communities, empower their peers into action, and advocate for the power of mentoring. MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership is a non-partisan organization that seeks to fuel the quantity and quality of mentoring relationships for America’s young people and to close the mentoring gap.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must reside in the following states: Alabama, California, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, or Virginia
• Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24 years old when they apply for the program (Applicants must be 16 when the program commences in October 2019. Applicants who will turn 25 years old during the program’s run are welcome to apply as well.)
• Applicants below 18 years of age, must have a parent/guardian confirm their application and participation in the program and one parent/guardian or one parent/guardian approved adult must attend both events in Washington, D.C. (Travel, hotel accommodations, and transportation provided for one parent/guardian or one parent/guardian approved adult by MENTOR)
• Applicants must be currently participating in a mentoring program, participated in a mentoring program in the past or have experienced a meaningful informal mentor or role model (teacher, coach, family member, faith leader, etc.)
• Must have a letter of support from a non-family member regarding their relationship to applicant, applicant’s qualifications, specific successes, and why participating in this program might help the applicant accomplish their goals.

BENEFITS

• A 10-month program consisting of a combination of in-person convenings and virtual trainings
  • In-person convenings include trips to Washington, D.C. in October 2019 and July 2020 (Travel, hotel accommodations, transportation, and meals provided by MENTOR)
  • Each month participants will participate in a virtual training
• A $1,000 stipend for successfully participating in the program
• Access to advocacy professionals who will serve as mentors during a monthly check-in
• Collaborative learning and leadership opportunities

OFFICIAL LINK

Click here to apply