Mentoring is a purposeful, effective and rewarding way to have a direct and lasting impact on a child’s life. Children and teens referred to Y mentoring programs have been identified by parents/guardians, school counselors and other plugged-in adults as needing the steady, predictable presence of a caring responsible adult in their lives. There are many ways to participate as a volunteer mentor at the Y. We invite you to get involved. 

Multiple ways to engage as a mentor

  • One-to-one mentoring in the community or at a Y site
  • Group mentoring at a Y site
  • Workplace mentoring through your employer, either at your place of work or a nearby school

All Y mentoring programs match adult volunteers to young people ages 6-18. We provide training and a complimentary Y membership for you and your mentee so you can participate in the many fun and enriching opportunities at the Y. 

All mentors must be age 21 or older and pass a background check.


Getting Started

Browse our various mentoring programs below. If you are interested in volunteering as an adult Y mentor, or know a child you’d like to refer to one of our programs, please contact us at mentoring@ymaryland.org. Thank you for getting involved!

ONE-TO-ONE MENTORING

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Y: One-to-one supportive mentoring in the community or at a Y site

    A one-to-one, professionally supported mentoring program for youth ages 6-17 designed to provide consistent, caring positive role modeling and supportive guidance. Mentoring takes place based on the individual mentor/mentee desired schedule in a Y or around the community and can continue for a year or longer. Mentor/mentee matches meet regularly to engage in healthy positive activities (such as sports, board games, arts & crafts) which lead to trusting, long term relationships which help build confidence and self-esteem.
     
  • Reach & Rise: One-to-one prescriptive mentoring at a Y Site

    A year long, professionally supported mentoring program for youth ages 6-17. Mentors work closely with a case worker to assist with addressing clearly identified needs and objectives. Matches meet two hours a week at a Y Center to participate in Y activities like open swim, rock wall and open gym, sit and talk, help with homework, and more.
     

GROUP MENTORING

  • Reach & Rise: A 12-week program for youth ages 8-15.

    Two volunteer mentors are paired with six youth mentees. Volunteers provide group mentoring services at a Y and create safe, healthy and meaningful relationships within the group. This program is ideal for adult mentors who may prefer volunteering with a spouse, partner or friend.
     
  • Badges for Baseball: A 13-week program for youth ages 10-14.

    Youth meet once a week in the spring and fall at Y centers. Volunteer law enforcement officers and other community volunteers use sports to break down barriers, create a positive group dynamic and open up lines of communication.
     

WORKPLACE MENTORING

We offer multiple ways your employees can easily volunteer and enjoy the rewards that come with helping others. For more information on how your company can participate in workplace mentoring, please contact Nakia Waters at nakiawaters@ymaryland.org.

  • Workplace Mentoring: Mentors from corporate partners host teens looking to build their future, one day each month. Students build a strong personal relationship, and develop critical job skills over the course of a two- to four-year commitment.
     
  • Beyond School Walls: Corporate partners host elementary or middle school students twice a month, for 90 minutes each visit. Students gain a mentor and an early introduction into the workplace environment.
     
  • Bigs in School: Mentors from corporate partners travel to a nearby elementary/middle school or community center where they spend an hour each week with their mentee participating in interactive and enriching activities over lunch.