MENTOR Vermont

Description

We aim to close the mentoring gap and drive equity through quality mentoring relationships so every young person in Vermont has the supportive mentoring relationships they need to grow and thrive. We work to achieve this through the following focus areas:

Quality & Quantity: Partnering with mentoring programs to increase the number of youth and adults engaged in effective mentoring relationships. Services include training, providing technical assistance, circulation of resources, convenings, peer learning, DEI work, program evaluation, and one-on-one support to ensure nationally-recognized best practices are met.

Public Will: Spearheading statewide public awareness and mentor mindset efforts to share the impact and need of mentoring. Efforts include an annual statehouse celebration, leading VT advocacy efforts, elevating media presence, collecting and sharing data, and collaborating with organizations.

Investment & Sustainability: Overseeing the Vermont Mentoring Grants: the only mentoring-specific grant funding in VT, providing over $300,000/year to agencies, ensuring programs have the necessary funding to meet youth needs. Additionally, we advocate for government funds; secure diversified support via foundations, corporations, and individuals; and build strong relationships with philanthropic changemakers to achieve long-term, sustainable change.