The Youth Mentoring (YM) program funds grantees to match eligible youth with mentors, who will support their successful integration and help them thrive. Grantees will also provide case management to support individual educational and career development goals. 

All ORR-eligible individuals between the ages of 15-24 can receive services for up to five years from their date of eligibility.  

ORR established the YM program to address the needs of refugee youth and young adults and promote their positive civic and social engagement. Oftentimes, youth arrive in the U.S. following long periods of displacement and/or exposure to conflict, which has caused trauma. Many also have limited English proficiency, possess no family ties, and have had little or no previous formal schooling. The YM program aims to provide the social, educational, and vocational support needed to ensure all refugee youth and young adults are well-positioned on a path toward self-sufficiency and integration. 

Services for youth may include: 

  • Developing opportunities and activities to promote social and life skills 

  • Providing opportunities for social engagement with peers 

  • Introducing American culture, while maintaining and celebrating the youth’s cultural heritage 

  • Providing information about civic and community service activities 

  • Supporting learning of English, math, and other skills 

  • Offering academic support (managing homework and school transitions) 

  • Assisting with career development: skill building, résumé drafting, understanding worker’s rights, and training 

  • Developing health and financial literacy 

Becoming a mentor: 

Peer Mentors must be at least 17 to 25 years old, residing in/near Greensboro, and able to commit to the program for 10 hours/month for 3 months.  

Professional mentors must be above 25 years old residing in/near Greensboro, and able to commit to the program for 10 hours/month for 6+ months.  

We welcome all applicants regardless of language or profession! 

 Mentoring roles and expectations: 

  • Serve as a positive role model and friend 

  • Assist in cultural adjustment and learning about American culture 

  • Help the mentee identify and work towards their goals 

  • Plan and participate in activities or conversations together at least twice a month 

  • Build self-esteem and motivation 

  • Empower mentees to build skills to complete tasks on their own 

  • Check in regularly with program coordinators and submit timesheets 

  • Demonstrate positive qualities, including being dependable, supportive, patient, flexible, and respectful of individual differences. 

 INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MENTOR? 

 After an application is submitted, a program coordinator will be in touch to schedule a virtual interview. Once approved, mentors will complete both the RST General Volunteer Orientation and Mentor Training. 

Click here to apply 

Click here for the mentorship timeline