Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community for Youth?
Community for Youth (CfY) is a youth mentoring organization based out of South Seattle. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects Seattle-area high school students with compatible adult mentors and a larger community of peers and adults for continuous support throughout the course of the program year. Our mission is to inspire and support students to be their best selves through mentoring, learning experiences, and a powerful community.
What is the time commitment?
Community for Youth follows the Seattle Public Schools calendar and will not have programming during SPS breaks. Our core program, Learning Community, kicks off in October and runs through the duration of the school year, with a Completion Ceremony in June. Students AND mentors commit to a Tuesday evening from 6-8:30pm three times per month. Mentors attend a Mentor-only workshop every other month, where they receive peer support and additional tools and resources to guide their mentorship journey.
Do students pay to join Community for Youth?
CfY programming is free for students. Transportation to and from CfY activities is coordinated by the student’s mentor. Dinner is served at all CfY workshops. Mentors are asked to cover any additional costs incurred by family group and one-to-one outings.
Who are the mentors at Community for Youth?
CfY mentors are volunteers who find out about CfY via word of mouth, information sessions, volunteer postings, community fliers, and more. They range from 21—70 years old, come from a variety of different backgrounds, and work in many different career fields. Mentors go through an interview and extensive background check before they are accepted into the program. They then attend 4 comprehensive training sessions before being matched with a mentee.
Who are the students served by Community for Youth?
CfY serves students in grades 9-12 in South Seattle and the surrounding community. Our students primarily come from Rainier Beach High School, Franklin High School, Chief Sealth High School, and Cleveland High School, but we welcome students from other local high schools to apply as well (during the 2023-2024 program year, we served students across 11 high schools.) Students learn about CfY through recruitment efforts by CfY staff members (in-class presentations, tabling during the lunch hour at school, staff referrals) and self-select into the program. Students must complete a Student Application that outlines the commitment and must be signed by their parent or guardian.
Where do CfY activities take place?
Community for Youth has various different activities that happen throughout the month. Community Workshops and Mentor Workshops are currently held at El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill. One-on-one and Family Group activities are decided by program participants, and the location will depend on what students and mentors choose to do on those evenings.
What are the benefits of being a student in CfY?
At its best, Mentorship has countless benefits for youth in the Seattle community. Mentorship can:
Bolster academic success
Provide support to students experiencing depressive symptoms
Promote positive relationships and feelings of connection
Connect students with employment opportunities
Create a safe space for students to learn and practice skills
Community for Youth combines the powerful impact of a 1:1 mentoring relationship with a large network of community support. Our unique model offers students the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive within a community that truly believes in them.
Students and guardians can read more about the benefits of our programming here.
How do I join the CfY Community?
We’re so glad you asked! New individuals strengthen our community by bringing their unique perspectives, strengths, and skills. If you are interested in joining as a mentor, read more and apply on our Become a CfY Mentor page.
If you’re a student, read more and apply on our Become a CfY Student page.