Mentor Program

 Youth who participate in any of the W.A.K.E., Inc. camp adventures will have a mentor who will follow up with them throughout the academic year. Youth may also sign up to participate in the Mentor Program even if they do not want to attend a camp. 

Building strong relationships with a mentor is critical to positively impacting a youth's life. Mentors will call, video conference, and when appropriate, meet with mentees to support them in their growth and development. 

Eligibility:

- Participants must be a student in Grades K - 12

- Participants must meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:

   > Be a part of a marginalized or underrepresented community

      Defined as those populations who experience discrimination of any kind and encounter          

      barriers (e.g., racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, economic, cultural, religious, disability, 

      and/or linguistic) to access of similar youth programs.

   >Exhibit low-income/high financial need as defined by the Department of Education (DOE)

                                                    Current-year Low-Income Levels

                                            (Effective January 13, 2022 until further notice)

Size of Family Unit               48 Contiguous States,                     Alaska                       Hawaii

                                        D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions

           1                                          $19,320                                         $24,135                       $22,230

           2                                         $26,130                                         $32,655                      $30,060

           3                                         $32,940                                        $41,175                        $37,890

           4                                         $39,750                                        $49,695                      $45,720

           5                                         $46,560                                        $58,215                       $53,550

           6                                         $53,370                                        $66,735                       $61,380

           7                                         $60,180                                        $75,255                       $69,210

           8                                         $66,990                                       $83,775                        $77,040

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $6,810 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $8,520 for Alaska; and $7,830 for Hawaii.

The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount. (Applicants who meet this criteria will need to submit a copy of their parents' most recent tax return to verify income.)

The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The 2022 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 13, 2022. (These will be updated with 2023 guidelines.)

• The Mentor Program runs from October - May of each academic year. The application and selection process occur from June - September of each year.
• Participants will meet with his/her mentor at least once per month via telephone, video conference, or in person, when appropriate.
• Participants will be given reading assignments based on their grade/reading level to promote increased literacy and to increase their knowledge about outdoor sportsmanship. The reading assignments will be discussed with their mentors.
• Participants will have an opportunity to participate in an Essay contest once per academic year to win select prizes/awards.
• Participants are expected to maintain a C+ grade point average (GPA) and all coursework. If a participant falls below this, he/she should work with their mentor to create an academic plan to increase their GPA.
• Participants will have opportunities to participate in virtual workshops throughout the academic year that focus on character development, academic and career exploration, and outdoor sportsmanship.

Program Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. 

STEP 1:  Apply for the Program

              Click HERE to complete a Youth Mentee Application to participate in the Mentor 

              Program.  

STEP 2: Complete a Parent/Guardian and Participant Virtual Interview

              Once the application period is closed, you will be contacted to schedule a virtual  

              interview with the Board of Directors. 

STEP 3:  Virtual Parent/Guardian and Participant Orientation

               Once you have been selected to participate in the Mentor Program, the 

               Parent/Guardian and Participant will need to attend a Virtual Orientation.

STEP 4:  Mentees will be paired with a Mentor

              Once you are paired with a Mentor, the Mentor will contact the parents to schedule the 

              best day/time and method to meet with the mentee once per month.

Interested in serving as a Mentor with W.A.K.E., Inc.? Please complete the Volunteer Application.

Once we receive your application, we will contact you for an interview. 

Please note that ALL volunteers with W.A.K.E., Inc. will be required to complete a thorough background check.