Mentoring... The Core of ChalleNGe
Class 22 Potential Mentors, please make sure to call & reserve your spot for Mentor Training on either March 13, 2010, or March 27, 2010. Call toll free 1-877-367-6927 or direct, 406-683-7512.
In the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy our Mentors are considered one of the most important parts of this Academy. We rely on you to be a trusted friend, confidant, and support system to our ChalleNGe graduates. These youth need someone they can rely on in order to pursue their Life Plans that they create and set for themselves while in the Residential portion of MYCA. This someone is their Mentor.
The Mentor is matched with the student during the Residential Phase, ideally by week 13. This way the student and Mentor can begin building their trust and comfort zone with one another. Also this makes for an excellent opportunity for the Mentor to participate in the students Commencement Ceremony graduating them from the Residential Phase.
Criteria to be a Mentor:
| Must be 21 or older | Must be the same gender as the Cadet |
| Must consent to a criminal history background check |
Must have a desire to volunteer some of their time for their student |
| Live no more than 30 minutes from where the student will live after completing the Residential Phase (some exceptions are made) |
Must be able to attend a four hour training session held at the program site (in order to have a successful match ceremony with their student) |
| May not be an immediate member of the Cadet's family |
Does this sound like you or someone you know? If so, then keep reading...
There are some specific things that we ask of you as a Mentor for MYCA. They aren't difficult or even impossible to do. It is the positive growth of your Mentor/Cadet relationship that you report to us that make the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy a success.
As a Mentor for MYCA you are required to do the following:
| Have a minimum of 4 contacts with your Cadet per month | Send in a monthly report to MYCA |
| Two contacts are to be in person (if possible) | Be a positive role model for your Cadet |
| During one of the in-person contacts review Cadet's PRAP | Agree to contact MYCA if you are struggling with your Cadet |
| Adhere to standards laid out in Mentor training | HAVE FUN!! |