Mentor a Young Person. Be the Steady Presence They Need.
Bolder Options mentors build meaningful, one-to-one relationships with diverse young people ages 10–14 by showing up consistently, listening, and offering encouragement. At a time when many youth are navigating stress, uncertainty, and big transitions, mentors provide something powerful: a reliable, positive adult presence.
You don’t need to have all the answers — just a willingness to care and grow alongside a young person.
What Mentoring Looks Like (Year One)
Our first-year mentoring program is relationship-based, with a strong foundation in physical wellness and goal setting.
As a mentor, you will:
Spend 2–4 hours per week with your mentee for one year
Engage in accessible physical activities together (walking, biking, gym time, sports, movement of all kinds)
Support your mentee in setting and working toward personal goals
Build trust through consistency, encouragement, and shared experiences
Activities are flexible and tailored to your mentee’s interests and abilities — you do not need to be an athlete or expert.
What Makes a Great Mentor
The most impactful mentors are:
Reliable and consistent
Good listeners who are curious and open-minded
Willing to try new things and meet youth where they are
Positive role models who believe in young people’s potential
Mentors come from all walks of life. What matters most is your commitment to showing up with care and respect.
A Long-Term Commitment to Youth
Bolder Options is committed to walking alongside young people beyond the first year. After completing the initial mentoring program, youth are invited into our alumni program, which offers:
Continued connection to caring adults
Group activities and leadership opportunities
Support with career exploration, post-secondary planning, and life skills
Our goal is to stay connected with youth through high school and into career and/or college pathways.
What You Can Expect From Us
Mentoring is free to you. Mentors are fully supported through:
A dedicated support staff member
Training and ongoing check-ins
Weekly activity ideas planned by staff
Free or low-cost tickets to local activities
YMCA membership for you and your mentee
Mentor Requirements
To ensure safe, consistent relationships, mentors must:
1) Be 21 years or older. 2) Have reliable access to a car. 3) Commit to meeting weekly for one year. 4) Complete an application, interview, background check, and orientation. Mentoring requires regular in-person connection. Long travel distances can make it difficult to sustain weekly meetings, so we prioritize mentors who live close to our service areas (within 20 min drive).
About Bolder Options
Bolder Options is a youth mentoring nonprofit focused on healthy youth development, blending physical activity, emotional wellness, goal setting, and community connection. We are proud to be an LGBTQ+ Ally Site and intentionally create inclusive environments where all youth and mentors belong.
Apply Today! Start your mentoring journey here:https://www.bolderoptions.org/mentor-application
