National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Project

Commonwealth ChalleNGe

Virginia

The mission of the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Program is to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth by providing the values, skills, education, and self-discipline needed to produce responsible, productive citizens, and to do so in a highly disciplined atmosphere.

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Requirements

The mentor serves as a role model, friend and advocate to a cadet for at least fourteen (14) months. The cadet shares the responsibilities for the relationship with the mentor and is accountable for progress toward his/her Life Plan.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF A MENTOR?

  • Commits to spending at least 14 months in contact with a cadet.
  • Attends a four hour mentor orientation/training to learn how to effectively relate to cadets, to become familiar with program policies and guidelines and to become acquainted with the regional coordinator and other mentors in his/her area.
  • Assists the cadet with the implementation of the life plan that each cadet develops in the residential phase.
  • Makes consistent contact with the cadet by telephone, mail or in person.
  • Four contacts per month are required. At least two of these must be face to face during the Post-Residential Phase.
  • Observes all Program policies and guidelines for mentors.
  • Refers the cadet to community resources as needed and helps the cadet obtain those resources.
  • Plans and completes a community service project with the cadet before graduation.
  • Participates in off-site visits and visits ChalleNGe Program site to takes part in relevant activities (i.e., graduation).
  • Shares occasional, informal and fun activities with his/her cadet.
  • The mentor and cadet will jointly select and schedule the activities.
  • Submits a monthly report form to the Regional Coordinator. A mentor promptly informs the Regional Coordinator of problems or needs in the cadet's life or problems with the mentor/mentee relationship.