Mentoring Program
Beginning in early 1994, Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) introduced a Mentor Program for youth in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. FYI's Mentor Program is a logical extension of its ongoing community service activities. Designed to pair youth in the community with positive adult role models, the program provides enrichment opportunities for these young people with particular emphasis on social, cultural and educational experiences and exploration.

FYI works closely with other youth organizations in the community, including the Explorer Post 280 "Dreamers," and the Ivy League and recruits youth for the Mentor Program from these and other FYI programs.

To be eligible for our mentoring program, potential mentors must: be at least 21 years of age; be a New York City resident for at least one year; have a least eight hours a month to spend with a mentee; be able to attend fun group mentoring activities, and commit to be a part of the mentoring program for at least one year.
In you are interested in making a difference in the life of a young person, contact JoAnn at 212-781-1113 or via e-mail at jsantiago@freshyouth.org
Download 2008-09 Mentor Application

Mentor Program Goals
The primary goals of FYI's Mentor Program are:
. to provide youth with positive adult role models, mentors and friends sensitive to their problems and needs
. to afford youth the benefits of special, regular and consistent contact with trusted adults
. to increase young people's exposure to a variety of social, educational, cultural and other enrichment activities
. to emphasize the value of learning and provide academic support
. to encourage educational and vocational exploration and provide information about opportunities in higher education
. to improve motivation and achievement regarding school, work, and future
. to provide appropriate reinforcement and support regarding each young person's accomplishments and decisions.

Program Structure and Activities
FYI coordinates, supervises and supports all aspects of the Mentor Program, including: mentor and mentee recruitment; eligibility screening; program orientation and training; program monitoring and evaluation; and participant support, recognition and retention.

Recruitment and Eligibility Screening
FYI locates adult volunteers for the Mentor Program through inquiries and referrals via its community contacts and other youth organizations. All interested mentors are required to fill out a comprehensive application form, complete with references. FYI interviews all potential mentors in-person, in addition to running background checks and fingerprinting. All mentees are active FYI participants in Fresh Youth Initiatives. Their participation in the program is voluntary, warranted and approved by a parent. All interested youth fill out an application before being matched with a group.
To be eligible for the Mentor Program, mentors must:

  • be at least 21 years of age

  • live in New York City

  • have approximately eight hours a month to spend with a group of three youth

  • commit to volunteering in the FYI Mentor Program for at least one full year.

    • Youths participating in the program must be:
  • between the ages of 10-16 years old

  • residents of New York City living in Washington Heights

  • commit to participating in the FYI mentor Program for at least one full year

  • have written parental permission to participate in the program.

    • Orientation and Training
    Following the screening and approval processes, FYI matches a total of three youth with an adult mentor. All pairings are same-gender (i.e., girls with women and boys with men). Twice a year, FYI also schedules and hosts orientations for new mentors, mentees and their families.
    Throughout the year, FYI also schedules and conducts orientations, training sessions, and support meetings to help mentors and mentees better understand and help each other. Some training sessions may be group activities involving both mentors and mentees, and often times parents.
    In addition to training sessions, FYI organizes events during the year to bring program participants together. These may include social gatherings, community service activities or recognition events, and more.

    Mentor/Mentee Activities
    For a minimum of eight hours every month, adult mentors and youth mentees will engage in scheduled/preplanned activities. FYI will prearrange all group meetings with mentors and mentees, and parents will be informed, and approve of the plans. Activities that provide opportunities for conversation and learning may include:

  • visiting a museum, library or other cultural institution

  • visiting an educational or vocational institution

  • attending an age-appropriate concert or show

  • visiting mentor's place of work

  • academic tutoring

  • cooking/eating a meal together

  • attending or participating in sports activities

  • visiting a park

  • taking walks to explore interesting natural or urban areas or monuments.

    • Program goals should be kept in mind when planning/scheduling activities, and low- and no-cost activities are encouraged.

    Program Monitoring and Evaluation
    FYI will contact each mentor and mentee separately at least once a month to determine the status of the mentor relationship and help it progress. If, at any time, the mentor or mentee is uncomfortable or has a problem with the relationship, he or she should contact FYI directly. Similarly, if FYI identifies a problem or concern, it will contact the involved parties and take appropriate action.

    At the end of each year, FYI reviews all mentor/mentee relationships. Successful relationships will continue, providing both parties agree and are still available. Program structure is also addressed and evaluated at this time. FYI will incorporate feedback and information from both mentors and mentees in improving the program.

    Click here to see Mentor/Mentee Matches.
    Click here for a more detailed description of our Group Mentoring Program.

    We look forward to working with you in the near future. Please fill out the Mentor Application and return to:
    Fresh Youth Initiatives
    505 W. 171 Street
    New York, NY 10032
    Att: JoAnn Santiago

    or Fax to (212) 781-1151
    e-mail: jsantiago@freshyouth.org