Become a CfY Student

What is Community for Youth (CfY)?

Community for Youth (CfY) is a nonprofit youth-mentoring organization based out of South Seattle. CfY provides a safe, supportive space for Seattle-area high school students to grow their social & emotional skills, find their individual strengths, and access opportunities. You can read about our mission, our values, and our history here.

We connect students with compatible adult mentors and a powerful community of peers, mentors, and staff members who are committed to your success.

Our programming kicks off with a Student Welcome Night in late October, followed by a weekend-long getaway to YMCA Camp Colman, where you’ll meet our adult mentors, play games and do community-building activities, and bond with members of your new community!

What can I expect as a CfY Student?

  • A compatible adult mentor who is ready to help you work toward your goals, access opportunities, and be a listening ear as you navigate your own individual journey.

  • A large community of other students your age and the adult mentors they are paired with.

  • A safe, supportive environment where you can strengthen your leadership, goal-setting, and networking skills.

  • Opportunities to meet and interact with students from other schools and communities.

  • Exciting adventures and outings with groups of mentors and other students!

  • The ability to provide feedback and shape our programming to better serve students like yourself.

  • Student leadership and service hour opportunities.

  • Individualized support and regular check-ins from staff members who want you to have a great experience!

Student Eligibility Requirements

  • Be an incoming or current High School student.

  • Reside in the state of Washington.

  • Submit a complete application.

  • Complete screening procedure.

  • Obtain parental/guardian permission and ongoing support for participation in the program.

  • Attend mentee orientation as required.

  • Demonstrate a desire to participate in the program and be willing to abide by all Community for Youth Mentoring Program policies and procedures.

  • Agree to a one-year commitment to the program.

  • Commit to weekly meetups! Schedules will be provided. (Some weeks it's a one on one, some weeks a meeting in small groups, and some weeks it's the whole community!)

  • Be willing to communicate with your mentor weekly.

  • Be willing to communicate regularly with CfY Staff and discuss monthly meeting and activity information.

Ready to join our community?! Fill out an application below.

Tip: Fill out this application if you’ve never been a CfY student before, and are ready to join!

Tip: Fill out this application if you’re already a CfY student, and are planning to return!

Questions? Contact our Program & Communications Specialist, Maddy Wilson, at maddy@communityforyouth.org.