Mentoring... The Core of ChalleNGe
In the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Program our Mentors are considered one of the most important parts of this program. 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 MYCP. 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 participatate in the students Commencement Ceremony graduating them from the Residential Phase.
Criteria to be a Mentor:
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Must be 21 or older |
Must be the same gender as the Cadet. |
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Must consent to a criminal history |
Must have a desire to volunteer some |
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Live no more than 30 minutes from where the student will live after completing the Residential Phase |
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) |
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May not be a member of the cadet's family |
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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 MYCP. 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 Program a success.
As a Mentor for MYCP you are required to do the following:
| Have a minimum of 4 contacts with your student per month | Send in a monthly report to MYCP |
| Two contacts are to be in person (if possible) | Be a positive role model for your student |
| During one of the in-person contacts review student's Life Plan | Agree to contact MYCP if you are struggling with your student |
| Adhere to standards layed out in Mentor training | HAVE FUN!! |
