Adult Mentors

Mentors work directly with students

Mentors are assigned two students for the program year and are committed to connecting with those students on program progress, participating in team meetings and guiding and coaching students along the way.

Become A Mentor

IC Youth for Change community impact

$

Help to market service-related projects

$

Participate with service project include direct contact with the community, like the “Seniors Prom”, Fun Day, Bake Sales, Car Washes, etc.

$

Create and provide baked goods for Bake Sales

$

Help to sell products at sales

$

Wash cars for fundraising

$

Habitat for Humanity projects

Skill sets of great mentors

N

Passion for working with inner-city youth

N

Compassionate heart

N

Excellent communication skills

N

Patience

N

Empathy

What is the time commitment for mentors?

E

Attend all team meetings

E

Attend all community service activities

E

Attend both experiential servicelearning trips

E

Attend monthly Leader meeting

Adult Mentor Testimonials

Imani Hobson

“ICYFC has been such a big part of my growth. When I first joined as a student, it gave me confidence, leadership skills and a space where I felt seen and supported. Getting o lead, learn and serve alongside other teens from Kalamazoo helped shape how I show up in my community today.

Now being a mentor feels like everything has come full circle. I get to pour back into the same program that poured into me and I’m grateful to still be a part of a mission that empowers teens to create real change.”

Aryriana Obryant

” I started here as a student trying to figure out life, and now I’m becoming a mentor. This program changed me in ways I didn’t expect, and now I get to give that back. I want these kids to know they’re seen, supported and capable — because someone once told me the same.”

Bro Q Ellis

“Inner City Youth for Change shared a space for elevation in my development as a student and leader. Joining first as a high school student the environment of fellow inner city youth was a strong foundation to lean on. We were able to successfully host fundraisers to support students in our visited land on their journey to university in Sierra Leone. The accomplishments in our collaborative were groundbreaking in my early growth as a young man.

Currently as a leader the organization has shown me wealth in bonding and moments where everybody has an equal amount of respect for the opportunity of leadership. For our members we plan to engage in layers of reflection, which focuses on communication skills, social interactions, and knowledge of self. Our present collective is off to a good start and looks like we’re going to have a proactive stride.”

Aaron Dickason

“My journey with ICYFC is a little different from most. I first joined as a student and was immediately inspired by everything I was learning and experiencing. Although I had to step away due to high school sports commitments, it was still meaningful ro stay connected by watching my friends grow through the program and hearing about the impact it was having on them.

Now, stepping into the role of a mentor, I’m honored and excited to help create lasting memories and meaningful experiences for today’s youth. Helping teens learn, lead and serve is deeply important to me – especially in a community like Kalamazoo, where investing in one another is the only way, we’ll continue to grow stronger together.”

Sa-Niqua Langford

“I am proud to be an Adult Mentor for ICYFC. Volunteering my time and commitment to helping and encouraging youth in my community.”

Apply to be a Mentor

It’s fast and simple!