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Mentor a young leader

Be the mentor you needed.

Mentors are peers with more mileage. You work one-on-one with a participant for the length of a program — and report what you learn, too.

A real relationship

Regular 1:1 sessions across a full program cycle.

Coaching, not lecturing

Guide with questions; help your mentee build their own path.

Safe by design

Safeguarding training and staff oversight before any match.

Expectations

What we ask of mentors.

  • Meet with your mentee regularly for the length of a program (typically weekly or bi-weekly).
  • Follow YDLC's mentoring approach — listen first, guide with questions, report concerns.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and communicate any safeguarding concerns immediately.
  • Complete mentor orientation and safeguarding training before being matched.
Eligibility

Who can mentor.

  • Working professionals or experienced practitioners in a relevant field.
  • Able to commit for the full program length (often 3–12 months).
  • Comfortable working with young people with empathy and patience.
  • Willing to complete a background check and safeguarding training.
Training & safeguarding

Mentors are prepared before matching.

Mentor orientation

A short onboarding on YDLC's mission, your role, and program structure.

Safeguarding training

Required before any mentee match — safeguarding policy and reporting.

Mentoring approach

Guidance on a coaching-style approach and healthy mentor–mentee boundaries.

Safeguarding: Mentor–mentee matches are made and overseen by YDLC staff — never automatically. Any concern can be reported confidentially.

Ready to mentor?

Apply and we'll guide you through screening, training, and matching.

Apply to mentor