Mentoring

Discover how YOU can change a life!

Mentor-Mentee Matching Mentor Training Become a Mentor

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina Great Futures Mentoring Program matches young people with adult and older teen role models.

A mentor is someone who participates in a youth's life and shows that they care, can give the youth a different perspective of the world, and help create opportunities to enable the youth to make better life choices.

It's fun, it's flexible. It's making a difference!

Goals of Mentoring

Self Confidence
Social Competence
Caring

. . . For all our youth!

Does Mentoring Really Work?

A study by an independent research firm concluded that matched "mentees" were:

46% less likely to initiate drug use
27% less likely to initiate alcohol use
likely to have better relationships with peers and adults
likely to skip half as many school days
33% less likely to engage in violence

How Does it Work?

Once the carefully screened volunteers are approved as mentors, they are matched with youth who could benefit by having other caring people in their lives. Professional staff monitors all matches, and match objectives are designed to help both mentees and mentors gain the most from their relationships.

How do I Become a Mentor?

Potential volunteers fill out the Volunteer Application (Application, Background Check and $25 donation for Background Check, 2 Letters of Reference), and the Great Futures Release Statement. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and willing to commit to seeing their mentees for at least one hour per week for twelve months. Volunteers must have lived in the area for at least six months unless they have moved here with the military, their current employer, or as a university student. Background checks are completed on all potential mentors. Orientation and ongoing training is provided to all mentors.

How Does a Youth Become a Mentee?

Youth ages 8 to 18 will be targeted by Club Directors and staff. The youth's parent, legal guardian, teacher, or counselor should contact the agency and request an application. Matches are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Parental and/or guardian support as well as willingness on the youth's part, is mandatory for involvement in the program.

Characteristics of Great Futures Mentors:

Honest and respectful.

Patient with youth.

Flexible to youths needs and schedules.

Prompt, dependable and regular in attendance.

Friendly to Staff and youth.

Supportive of Directors and Program staff.

Discreet, sincere and dedicated.

Respectful of youth and mindful of confidentiality.