Youth Programs
We address the development of kids in our program primarily through one-to-one mentoring, where they encounter new experiences, acquire essential skills, and develop relationships.
Mentors regularly take advantage of cultural events in the area and program-wide gatherings, while also enjoying the commonplace experiences of life.
Mentoring Builds Connections
Mentors make an initial one-year commitment to their mentees,
dedicating 1-3 hours each week for an outing in the community or a
special event.
With the ongoing support of a Save Our Youth Mentoring Specialist, mentors help their mentees to work toward goals and develop important tools for life.
Become a MentorPrograms
One-on-one mentoring out in the community is the core of what we
do, but we also plan, host, or offer a variety of other programs and
events for mentors and their mentees.
From Summer Academy to a Back to School BBQ, Career Prep to our Christmas
party, each activity enhances the mentoring relationship and the growth of our
mentees. And, in the process, everyone has a great time!
Career Prep
These monthly gatherings offer our currently matched high school seniors step-by-step guidance during this pivotal year in their career journeys.
Structured sessions walk college-bound students through each of the elements required of them, from applications to financial aid, personal statements, and more. Other students explore their aptitudes and interests to identify alternative pathways that are more suitable than college.
College Scholars
For mentees pursuing a college degree, typically first-generation students, we extend continued support throughout the college years.
Staff liaisons provide guidance and experience, while also offering financial and other resources to help students carry the burden.
Summer Academy
Through our Summer Academic Recovery program, we invite current mentees to improve essential skills and understanding in math and language arts. Each five-week session moves students through an online learning curriculum tailored to their needs, and community leaders share insights from their own experiences to complement the academic focus.
Students are incentivized monetarily in order to provide valuable work-like experience. Weekly discussions and activities also challenge them to grow in character and evaluate their attitudes about relationships.
Summer Academy Internship
Summer Academy provides a great learning opportunity not only for mentees but for our interns as well. Each intern serves on a team with 1-3 others under the supervision of a Save Our Youth Mentoring Specialist, running one of our six sites around Denver.
Interns work collaboratively to develop strong relationships with our students in order to accelerate their learning and development. The breadth of experiences Summer Academy offers makes this a perfect summer internship for education, social work, psychology, mathematics, English, and other majors.
Without Save our Youth in my life, I believe that I wouldn’t have been able to establish a clear view of where I want to be in the future.
Summer Academy helped me grow in my academics. This was also a fun experience for me. We made a lot of new memories and new friends.
I know that I don’t have to worry about my future now; I’ll be going in the right path thanks to SOY.
People like my mentor and the interns throughout summer academy have always been a support system for me in times when I need it.
Check Out What's Going On
Between monthly training, occasional fundraising events, and other program
gatherings, we keep pretty busy. Stay up to date with all that's happening here!