Mentoring
Mentoring at the AYCC
Building Confidence, Connection, and Bright Futures
At the Alfond Youth & Community Center, we believe every young person deserves someone in their corner. Within our classrooms, youth receive group mentoring with their peers and teachers in a safe, structured environment, while partaking in various classroom activities.
In addition to group mentoring, we offer one-on-one mentoring programs that pair youth enrolled in our After School Programs with positive, caring role models who offer encouragement, guidance, and friendship. Whether it’s tackling homework, exploring new interests, or simply having someone to talk to, our mentors help build confidence, develop life skills, and discover their full potential – all in a safe and supportive environment.
The National Youth Mentoring Initiative, administered through the United States of America, Department of Justice, recognizes that the positive influences at key times in a child’s life can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem, improved academic performance and relationships, and can help a child realize their true potential. We are proud recipients of the OJJDP National Mentoring grant funding that helps to promote positive outcomes and reduce risk factors for at-risk and high-risk youth in diverse communities throughout our communities.
Mentors
Mentors are community volunteers passionate about creating positive change among the younger generation. They play the role of a dependable adult friend who provides guidance and support to their mentee.
Mentees
Any youth who attends any of the AYCC After School Programs is eligible to request a mentor!
How Does My Child Receive a Mentor?
To join one of our youth mentoring programs, your child must be enrolled in one of our After School Programs at the AYCC (Waterville), or at Atwood Primary School and have parent/guardian permission to participate.
Simply complete the online interest survey, and our team will begin the matching process. We thoughtfully pair each child with a mentor who compliments their personality, interests, and goals. Once a strong match is determined, the mentor and mentee will meet one-on-one each week for one year.
Interested in finding your child’s mentor? Complete the form below!
Mentee Interest Form
Who Can Be a Mentor?
We offer two mentoring pathways;
- AmpUp Mentoring – open to adults 18+
- Shine Together Youth Mentoring Program – designed for local high school students who meet program qualifications
All prospective mentors must complete a Volunteer Application (see below), which includes background checks, pre-match training, and – for high school mentors – a parent/guardian consent form. The AYCC provides all the training, ongoing support, and guidance.
Mentors should have a genuine interest in working with youth and a commitment to fostering positive youth development.
A Mentor's Role, Commitment, Expectations & Benefits
What’s the Mentor’s Role?
Mentors are caring, consistent role models who help support a child’s growth. Their primary role is to:
- Build a trusting, encouraging friendship
- Demonstrate positive character traits
- Provide steady, supportive guidance throughout the year
Mentor Commitment & Expectations
- Meet one hour per week at the AYCC or Atwood Primary School during After School Program hours (generally 2:30-5:30 pm)
- Commit to a full year of mentoring
- Participate in provided training and ongoing support
Benefits of Being a Mentor
- Make a meaningful impact in a child’s life
- Build connections with youth in your community
- Learn valuable communication and leadership skills
- Receive training, resources, and professional program support
AMP Up ASP Mentoring - Waterville
The AMP Up Program (Alfond Mentor Program: Uplifting Potential), is a supportive, relationship-based mentoring program designed to help children in the AYCC’s After School Program (ASP – Waterville) build stronger communication skills, social development, and positive learning habits. Serving youth ages 5-12, AMP Up pairs children with caring, vetted community volunteers who are passionate about positive youth development.
Each mentor is carefully screened and trained, then matched with a mentee based on shared interests, personality traits, and growth goals. Mentor/mentee pairs meet once a week for one hour during the ASP hours throughout the school year. Together, they enjoy fun activities, practice interpersonal skills, strengthen confidence, and build meaningful connections.
During the summer months, children enrolled in the Summer Enrichment Program can participate in weekly group mentoring sessions to continue their growth and maintain relationships. AMP Up also hosts special family events and mentor-mentee gatherings to nurture community and celebrate each child’s progress.
Help your child grow, learn, and shine – join the AMP Up Mentoring Program today!
Recently, we sat down with one of our Members/Board Member/Mentor, Churchill Elangwe Preston, and his mentee, Nyeim to learn about what this program means to both individuals. Learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life in just one hour per week.
Shine Together - Youth Mentoring Program at the Atwood After School Program
Shine Together is a new youth mentoring initiative created through a partnership between the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC), and ShineOnCass. This inspiring program brings trained volunteers from Messalonskee High School to the Atwood After School Program at Atwood Primary School, where they serve as positive role models and peer mentors for younger students.
Aligned with the ShineOnCass mission to educate, inspire, and empower youth through kindness and volunteerism, high school mentors are carefully screened and receive comprehensive training before being paired with their mentee. Matches are based on shared interests, personality, and the individual needs of each child.
Mentors and mentees meet every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 pm during the school year. Sessions are filled with engaging activities that build confidence, encourage healthy social skills, and foster habits centered around kindness, community, and connection.
We’re excited to help your child grow and thrive as they Shine Together with their mentor!
Steps to Become a Shine Together High School Mentor:
- Messalonskee High School students interested in becoming a mentor must first complete the Mentor Interest Form
- Complete the online AYCC Volunteer Application (or download the form here)
- MHS Mentor Parents/Guardians must complete a Parental Consent Form for a background check, required of all volunteers.
- Mentor applicants will be interviewed, screened, and trained by AYCC staff.
