Mentoring
In July of 2023, the Children’s Trust of Alachua County facilitated a competitive procurement process to identify qualified organizations to provide mentoring to Alachua County youth. Six organizations received full 12-month mentoring contracts, requiring one-on-one and group mentoring. In FY2024, 279 youth were served through these programs.
Five programs are continuing to accept mentees and mentors. Learn more about the programs and how to volunteer below.
Every child deserves a chance to see their potential realized. By matching children ("Littles") with adult mentors ("Bigs"), we defend that potential together. And help change lives today and forever.
Enrollment ("Little") requirements:
- Must be an Alachua County student between the ages of 5 (and enrolled in kindergarten) and 13 years.
- More info and enrollment here: https://bbbstampabay.org/get-a-big/
Mentor ("Big") requirements:
- Spend 4-8 hours of quality time a month with your Little.
- Attend Orientation and Training (offered virtually).
- More info and sign up here: https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/
The Youth Mentoring Program focuses on life skills development, character building and educational enhancement aimed at motivating the students to address and overcome factors such as low self-esteem, trauma, truancy, victimization, gang involvement, juvenile delinquency, violence, substance use, academic needs, goal setting, depression, bullying, peer pressure and other high-risk behaviors.
This youth mentorship program is a ministry of the Upper Room of Greater Gainesville Church of God in Christ. Learn more at urwelcomehere.org.
IGB Education Foundation
"I Gotcha Back"
Empowering students to improve performance and maximize their potential. We impart in each participant the IGB 3D’s: “Decisions determine Direction, direction determines Destiny!”
Enrollment requirements:
- Must be an Alachua County student in grades 5-12.
Sign up here to become a mentor.
More information: https://igbmentoring.com/mentoring/
The Made for More Mentorship Program includes weekly in-school group meetings, a mentor that will support the student in their journey, two weekend exposure trips, summer enrichment program, Hoops & Dreams empowerment sessions, afterschool academic tutoring, and community service projects.
Enrollment requirements:
- Must be an Alachua County student in grades 6-12.
- Attend events, sessions, mentor meetings
- More info and enrollment here: https://madeformoreinspire.org/enroll-my-student/
Mentor requirements:
- Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-on-one relationship.
- Commit to at least one year.
- More info and sign up here: https://madeformoreinspire.org/mentors/
Take Stock in Children
from the Education Foundation of Alachua County
Take Stock in Children (TSIC) breaks the cycle of poverty by identifying high-achieving, low-income public school students who show the potential to go to college and providing them with holistic support. Upon high school graduation, each TSIC scholar receives a two-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship. This scholarship can be used at any college, university, or technical program.
Enrollment requirements:
- attend an Alachua County Public School or Florida Public School of Choice (Florida Virtual, Local Florida Public School District Virtual, or Florida Public Charter School);
- maintain a 2.5 G.P.A and good behavior;
- and be financially eligible.
Applications are released in the fall semester and students are interviewed in the early spring semester. Apply here: https://formstack.io/5EBEA
Mentor requirements:
- Complete an application and the Alachua County School Board Volunteer Form.
- Attend a Virtual Mentor Training Session.
- Meet bi-weekly (at least 15 sessions in a school year) with your mentee.
- More information: https://edfoundationac.org/volunteering-as-a-mentor/
