It’s Relationships, Not Programs That Change Lives.
Forge Youth Mentoring is proud to partner with school districts, counselors, and local youth-serving organizations to help our services meet those in need.
Our research-based youth mentoring model impacts more than those involved.
Mentoring contributes to safer, stronger, and more vibrant neighborhoods by nurturing the potential of youth.
Mentoring leads to academic excellence, meaning more educated communities and skilled workforces.
Mentorship guides youth away from negative influences, decreasing juvenile delinquency rates.
Mentoring improves the mental health of youth and adults, contributing to safe and stable environments.
Mentoring fosters a spirit of volunteerism in the community, leading to generosity and long-term impact.
How We Partner
We hope to be a resource to you, and the students and families you serve. FORGE wants to collaborate with all local schools, counseling agencies, and other youth and family-serving agencies. Our program will be an effective tool in your tool belt as we offer safe and supportive adult mentors for kids in the greatest need of positive connections and role models. We serve all kids, ages 7-18 years. FORGE mentors are diverse, coming from a variety of backgrounds. They are thoroughly screened caring adult volunteers who have gone through extensive training in several areas, including ACES and PCEs, Trauma Informed Care, empathy, listening, cultural awareness, acceptance, trust building, social capital, consistency, goal setting, and more. In addition, we use tools like the 40 Developmental Assets to build stronger mentors and measure our impact.
Refer a Young Person to Forge Youth Mentoring Today!
We strive to come alongside the work you are doing with young people and provide another stable, committed adult relationship for youth. Do you have someone in mind who would benefit from this? The process is simple.
After talking with a parent/guardian, fill out this intake form and we will do the rest!
A Glimpse into Mentorship Moments
“So FUN”
“I love every day with Miriam, I enjoy it when we walk and she will give me some advice. Every time we got together I had so much fun. FORGE is a very good program, I wish every student would have the opportunity of having a mentor!”
— Amparo (FORGE Mentee)
“Impactful”
“It’s like I have a built-in friend that will always be there to support me, challenge me, and talk to me.”
— Krissa (FORGE Mentee)
“Life-Changing”
“I am a better person today, I am making better decisions at home and at school. I am a better son to my parents today, thanks to the program and to people like my mentor (Eugenio), willing to invest in kids like me.”
— Gabriel (FORGE Mentee)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mentoring work?
Though they want their peers’ approval, young people also recognize that adults offer the understanding and perspective they need to effectively navigate life. Our programs and similar ones around the country see increases in school attendance, and grades, as well as decreases in negative behaviors as a result of youth mentoring. Learn more about the impact of mentoring here.
How do you match young people?
After successful completion of the application process, we look at kids with common interests and needs that match the mentor’s strengths and experiences, and their requested age range. At that point, we email mentors a little information about the young person that our team believes is the best fit, and we wait for their approval.
What do mentor matches do?
What do they want to do? We make sure mentor matches will have some common interests and that they are willing to even try new things. Some matches play soccer in the park while others do arts and crafts or go get burgers together. Mentoring is all about having a variety of fun and simple experiences together.
Is it safe?
Mentors go through a comprehensive application and screening process. They attend information classes, complete a written application, secure 4 references, participate in an interview, complete an exhaustive national background check, sign a behavior and guidelines contract, and if all results are positive, they are approved by a team of screeners. In addition, once they are matched, parents will receive regular contact from the Match Support Coach to seek their perspective on the health of the mentor match and to address any concerns they may have. Mentors are expected to fully adhere to Mentoring Standards at all times – with no exceptions.
What is the Experience Partners Program?
Our Experience Partners program provides kids with additional opportunities to learn and try new things from individuals in the community who share their professions, hobbies, and interests. Learn more about this program here.
Still Have Questions❓
Reach out to our staff so we can help your agency take the next step in cultivating healthy communities together!