Mentoring... The Core of ChalleNGe
Mentor follow-up throughout the 12-month Post-Residential Phase has proven to be the key ingredient of long-term success of Youth ChalleNGe graduates. This has proven true at all ChalleNGe programs nation-wide. Because ChalleNGe youth spend only 5-1/2 months of the 17-1/2 month program in residence at the Academy, ChalleNGe graduates need sustained, adult, follow-up throughout the Post-Residential Phase. Thus, each ChalleNGe youth requires an adult mentor. A Mentor is an adult who is trained in the eight core components of the ChalleNGe model and can help guide his or her cadet through the transition from the Academy back into their home community and new life.
Mentor Reports
Role of the Mentor
The role of a Mentor is to serve as a cadet`s role model, friend and advocate. Mentoring involves a one-on-one relationship between a youth and an adult where consistent support and guidance are provided. A key part of the Mentor's role is to ease the transition from the Academy back into the community.
A job description for a Mentor might look like this:
A job description for a Mentor might look like this:
Responsible adult wanted for helping shape promising 16-18 year olds. He or she will learn to:
- Build active relationship between adult & youth
- Turn crisis into opportunity
- Love when unlovable
- Offer support outside the conflict cycle
- Earn trust of youth
- Create culture of belonging
Training provided. Life experiences helpful and welcome. Volunteer position but rewards limitless.
Most of us, as successful adults, already possess the skills to be an effective mentor. During the Residential Phase, mentors maintain regular contact with their cadets via telephone calls and letters in an effort to provide support and guidance during this demanding time.