Selecting a Mentor

Selecting a Mentor

A mentor is a person or friend who guides a less experienced person by building trust and modeling positive behaviors. An effective mentor understands that his or her role is to be dependable, engaged, authentic, and tuned into the needs of the mentee.

All GYA students must choose a mentor to work with them through the course of the program. Read through this page, then choose a mentor, and have them complete the Mentor Application form.

Mentor Criteria

  • 25 years of age or older
  • Resident of California and citizen of the United States, or legal resident
  • Reside within a reasonable distance of the Cadet
  • Same gender as the Cadet
  • Must NOT be a parent, stepparent, sibling or living in the same household as the Cadet (Mentor can be Uncle/Aunt, Grandfather/Grandmother, or Cousin)

Mentor Must Be Willing To

  • Agree to a criminal background check.
  • Attend one Mentor Day Training to be held at Grizzly Youth Academy (must have proof of auto insurance and current driver’s license).
  • Make weekly contact by phone, mail or email with Cadet after being trained while Cadet is at Grizzly Youth Academy.
  • 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.
  • Complete a monthly report to Grizzly Youth Academy by mail, e-mail, or online on the
    progress of Cadet.
  • See: Mentor Report

Good Choices for a Mentor*

  • Coach
  • Minister
  • Teacher
  • Counselor
  • Family friend
  • Neighbor
  • Relative (but not a sibling, parent, step-parent, or anyone in the same household)

* Note: Students, NOT parents, should choose the mentor.