What do WAY Alliance mentors do?

Mentors focus on developing a relationship with their matched youth and assisting them in meeting their personal goals. The mentor and youth meet for at least two hours twice a month for a minimum of four hours per month.

What are the requirements for becoming a mentor?

WAY Alliance mentors must:

• Have an interest in working with youth with foster care experience, 14 through 24 years of age.
• Be at least 25 years of age.
• Schedule a virtual Information Meeting with WAY Alliance staff, submit a mentor application, and complete the screening process, including a driving record and background check, and a fingerprint background check.
• Complete pre-match mentor training.
• Agree to complete all required post-match mentor training (two per year).
• Agree to a minimum one-year commitment from the date you are matched to developing a relationship with your matched youth.
• Commit to meeting with your matched youth for at least two hours twice a month, for a minimum of four hours a month.
• After each meeting with your matched youth, submit meeting and activity logs in the mentor portal.
• Be willing to travel the required distance to maintain a relationship with your matched youth. (WAY Alliance will try to match you with a youth in your general area.)
• Have a reliable vehicle, current insurance, and a clean driving record
• Adhere to all WAY Alliance policies and procedures.

What are the steps to becoming a WAY Alliance mentor?

Because our mentors work with a vulnerable population, we want to ensure they are well-equipped and the right fit for our program and working with their matched youth. Becoming a WAY Alliance mentor is a process that you can expect to take 8+ weeks to complete.

STEP 1: Virtual Information Meeting

To schedule a virtual information meeting, complete the form below. WAY Alliance staff will contact you to set a meeting time that works for you.

STEP 2: Application

Submit an online mentor application (the link will be emailed following the Information meeting).

STEP 3: Interview

If your application is approved, WAY Alliance staff will contact you to set up a virtual interview.

STEP 4: Reference & Screening Checks

Following a successful interview, the screening process begins. This will include a background and driving record check and contacting the four references you provided on the application.

STEP 5: Training

Training consists of 9 hours of online self-study and one day in person. The link to the self-study training will be emailed to you after a successful interview. Once you have completed the self-study requirements, your one day in-person training will be scheduled.

STEP 6: Final Screening & Documents

The final step in the onboarding process is an FBI fingerprint background check. Once training is complete, WAY Alliance staff will email instructions for completing the fingerprint background check. You will also be asked to send a copy of the front side of your unexpired driver's license and proof of insurance.

Request an Information Meeting