Launching a High School Youth Mentoring Program

Why a Mentoring Program? Follows “Grow your own” concept Provides pool of potential employees Makes a difference in the lives of youth Helps employees (mentors) sharpen their skills, improve their communication techniques, and build self-esteem

Who is SkillsUSA? SkillsUSA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational association serving more than 300,000 students and teachers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. Involvement with SkillsUSA gives employers a direct link with the educational system, producing an even exchange of benefits as students receive more relevant training and employers put better-prepared people to work. SkillsUSA has helped develop more than nine million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators.

Why mentor SkillsUSA students? Students have an interest in skilled trades Activities develop creativity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, self-esteem and integrity  all competencies and foundation skills Introduces students to the dignity of work, high standards in trade ethics and workmanship, life-long learning and job safety Helps bridge the school-to-workplace gap

Benefits to Youth Imparts crucial skills (both job-related and personal) Enriches and expands youths’ social connections Enhances mentees’ self concept and optimism about the future Students see the real-world application of what they are learning in school Studies show improvement in students’ academic achievement

Next Steps Meet with SkillsUSA chapter representatives and teachers Set program goals and objectives Establish program policies and procedures Develop a program budget CEWD/SkillsUSA mentoring toolkit has everything we need to get started!