Mentoring... The Core of ChalleNGe

Each student is matched with an Academy approved mentor.
Two mentor prospects are nominated by the student and / or parents/guardians. One will serve as the primary prospect and the other as an alternate prospect. The trained and matched mentor will provide assistance and guidance during the 12-month Post-Residential Phase.

The Nominated Mentor Prospects must:

be at least 21 years old
be the same gender as the student
not be a family member (aunts/uncles, grandparents are acceptable)
live within a reasonable locality of the student's home address
be a good role model
complete, sign and return the application packet
consent to undergo a background screening process
if chosen attend a mentor training session

To apply as a Mentor Prospect click on the link in the left column or you may call Martha Owens at (803) 832-4878 to request an application be mailed to you.

 Please mail your completed application to:

SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy
ATTN: Mentoring Department
P.O. Box 2808
West Columbia, SC 29171

Fax: (803) 832-4880

The Youth ChalleNGe Academy mentor is the key to a successful transition to employment and/or continuing education. An established goal for all students is to complete a Post-Residential Action Plan (P-RAP). This plan is a guide for the Mentor and the Cadet to follow after graduation.

What is Mentoring?

The Youth ChalleNGe program views mentoring as a supportive one-to-one relationship between an adult and an at-risk youth developed to facilitate the youth's educational, social and personal growth, for the youth to become a responsible, productive and contributing member of his or her community and of society as a whole.