Grizzly Youth Academy

GRIZZLY YOUTH ACADEMY: MENTORS

The Core of ChalleNGe

MENTORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Matching cadets with a caring, responsible mentor is one of the most important components of the Grizzly Youth Academy experience. The mentor acts as an anchor of support to the cadet during their 5 ½ month residential phase and continues supporting him/her throughout their 12 month post-residential phase (a total of 17 ½ months).

TRANSITION

The mentor is key to a graduate’s successful transition to employment and/or continuing education. An established goal for all students is to complete a "My Action Plan". This life plan is a guide for the Mentor and the Cadet to follow after graduation.

COMMUNICATION

Mentoring responsibilities are fully communicated in the mandatory one-day Mentor Training session (see dates below). The Grizzly Youth Academy offers this training multiple times each class, only requiring mentors to attend ONE session.

DEVELOPMENT

Not only is mentoring important for the development of these young men and women, but the academy is required by the National Guard Bureau and Congress to report on the progress of cadets during the Post-Residential Phase.

Mentoring:
The Core of The ChalleNGe

Find out how mentoring supports the goals of ChalleNGe through the real-life stories of cadets experiencing the program, staff supporting the cadets, and experts in the field of mentoring.

REQUIREMENTS

needed to become a mentor:

Agree to a criminal background check
25 Years or older
Employed, in school or retired
A good role model
Same gender as Cadet
Live within 50 miles of Cadet
Can not live in immediate household
Can not be an immediate family member
Can not be the parent of the cadet’s boyfriend or girlfriend; the boyfriend or girlfriend; the ex-spouse of the cadet’s parent; a very close relative where family dynamics may interfere with the relationship.

DUTIES

and responsibilities of a mentor:

Mentors must attend a one-day training session at GYA. Once training is complete, mentors will be officially matched with their cadet in a ceremony. Cadets will participate in Mentee training for six weeks prior to the mentor training session and matching ceremony.
Make weekly contact by phone, mail or email with Cadet after being trained while Cadet is at GYA
Make weekly contact with Cadet face-to-face, or by phone, mail, email, social media, or text for 12 months after they complete the Residential portion of the program
Email or text (may also be completed online) a monthly report to your Case Manager on the progress of Cadet.

FAQ

What is mentoring?
Mentoring is the presence of a caring responsible adult who, along with the guardian or parent, provides support, motivation, guidance, advice and friendship in order to help a young person succeed.

What does mentoring mean to a youth?
To a youth, mentoring means to have a responsible, caring role model and friend to look up to. This role model can help them achieve their goals in life.

What do I need to do to become a mentor?
Have the desire to help a young person.
Submit the complete mentor application.
Submit to a background check (live-scan fingerprints, etc.)
Attend a one training day at Camp San Luis Obispo, Sacramento, or Los Alamitos .
Follow through for the 12 months after the cadet graduates the program.

How often can I visit my mentee at the academy?
Mentors, once screened, are allowed to visit their mentee on announced mentor visit days from mentor training. However, we know that many of you live very far away. Visits are NOT mandatory. Visits need to be arranged in advance. Typically, Sunday is the best day to visit. Saturday is usually when the cadets are doing community service. The mentors are always invited to participate in the activities on Saturday, but it does require some coordination.

What happens if I run into a problem with my mentee?
If a problem arises in the relationship, the Mentor is encouraged to discuss the problem with the mentee. If the problem persists, the mentor should then contact the Mentor Coordinator.

What if my help is not wanted?
It is not easy for a young person to trust an adult; it may take a long time to build trust in the mentoring relationship. You as the mentor cannot interpret caution as rejection; it is likely that the youth may not even know that they need your assistance. Patience and time is the key.