This is a sponsored post from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
The guidance of a mentorship can offer life-changing opportunities for individuals navigating the education system in New York. A mentor not only provides a supportive relationship through tutoring and coaching but also contributes to the personal development of a mentee through long-term bonds that enhance the student’s self-esteem and social skills.
While the benefits of mentorship can last a lifetime, the impact on the youth can be seen immediately. According to a Public Private Ventures study, 46% of mentees are less likely to start using illegal drugs than their peers, 52% less likely to skip a day of school, and 37% less likely to skip a class.
In addition, mentees tend to be more trusting of their parents or guardian, and feel more supported and less criticized by peers.
In our WhatsApp space, parents of first-generation students have requested information about programs and organizations that could help assist their kids throughout their schooling. We have compiled a list of organizations and resources that offer mentorship programs for youth living in New York States. These organizations will offer mentorship regardless of your child’s immigration status.
Organizations providing mentorship programs in New York
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC)
BBBS of NYC offers a 1:1 mentorship program for Youths between the ages of 7-17 living in NYC. The program allocates up to eight hours each month, agreed in advance between the guardians and the mentor, during the weekends. Mentors of different backgrounds that speak Chinese, Korean, Spanish and more are available.
Note: More than one child per family can apply, and each one will be paired with a mentor of their own.
BBBS of NYC is currently accepting applications. Sign up for their information workshop on August 25th and September 8th at 6:30PM: http://bit.ly/bbbs_taller
Enroll a Child | bigsnyc.org | e: help@bigsnyc.org | T: 212-686-2042
Also read: Pay What You Can Schools, Education Affordable For Immigrants
Apex for Youth
Apex serves students in NYC from 6th to 12th grade. They provide 1:1 mentoring, personalized and structured to address the specific needs of the mentee. The pair will meet twice a month for at least one year. Apex also offers Basketball coaching through their Athletics program, and tutoring and activities through their afterschool program.
Student Sign-up | apexforyouth.org | Info@ApexForYouth.org | T: 212-385-3574
Free Arts NYC
There are two programs that individuals in New York City can apply for. Free Art Days pairs volunteers one on one with underserved elementary-aged youth for an afternoon of creating art and interaction with other youth. Similarly, the Teen Arts Program provides opportunities for 65 teens, between the ages of 13-18, by pairing them one on one with a mentor in a creative profession. This mentorship program is recommended for students interested in developing their own portfolio, and/or planning to apply to specialized art schools.
In addition, teens are exposed to paid summer internship opportunities.
Program | freeartsnyce.org | info@freeartsnyc.org | 212-974-9092
Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF)
HAEF offers different programs for students in middle school preparing for high school (High Expectations), and H.S. students preparing for college (College Quest). Depending on the program of choice, middle-school students can participate in a variety of activities such as chess, sign language, graphic design, and more. The College Quest tailors guidance to familiarize students with the process of applying to college, by offering guidance and access to multiple scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Summer opportunities are also available.
Apply | Contact HEAF | heaf.org |
South Bronx United
After-school tutors work with small groups (3-4 students) of boys and girls in the South Bronx United Youth Development Program to provide homework help and support the youth in reaching their grade levels in math and the English language arts. Tutors meet with the boys and girls, ages 11-14, for two hours on a set day every week.
There are three different programs available that cater for ages of 4-19.
Register | southbronxunited.org | info@southbronxunited.org | 718-404-9281
Let’s Get Ready
Let’s Get Ready offers a 10-week curriculum for high school students interested in SAT prep, college application guidance, scholarship application support, and more. It is provided at no cost to H.S. junior and seniors with qualifying financial need. The program is available during the fall, spring and summer.
Enroll | letsgetready.org | Contact | 646-808-2760
New York Public Library and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance
NYPL and MBKA offer different programs for students ranging from Pre-K to High School. Individuals interested can get free online homework help from 1 on 1 tutors daily, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The programs are available in English and Spanish, and can be accessed with your library card code number.
Students interested in applying for college can also receive study materials and practice tests for PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP and GED exams. Career support for cover letter and resume writing is also available.
Programs | Nypl.org | 212-930-0502
For additional resources and other programs, visit New York State Mentorship Program
Also read: Validating Foreign Degrees and Qualifications in the US
