The benefits are many. Mentoring guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. The GCSA mentoring network also provides additional resources, opportunities, and access to different industry partners.

Mentees make a three year commitment to the program, which includes weekly workshops that take place one day per week afterschool. There are also several full program events each year that students are encouraged to attend.

During workshops, students develop workplace/professional skills that will help drive your future, they work on fun projects, talk, catch up, and get to know each other. During mentoring meetings, students get to chat 1:1 with their mentor about either the topic of the day or whatever is on their mind. Additionally, great snacks are always provided.

Students are responsible for completing an application and will be invited to a virtual interview with their parent/guardian. The interviews are informational, and all students that apply are welcomed into the program upon completing the interview.

Most mentors come from one of our partner companies, but GCSA also connects mentees with many other companies as well. All mentors volunteer to be part of the program because they want to support a NYC student, and complete an application that surveys their interests and experiences. Students complete a similar profile, and individual matches are made from there.