Over the years mentors have experienced the joy of encouraging students to discover and reach for their dreams. Helping mentees find the post-secondary education that meets their needs is a huge gift for students who are often the first in their families to pursue post secondary opportunities.

Ideally, mentors make a multi-year commitment to the program, which includes twice a month, one-hour virtual meetings while school is in session. If pairings want to schedule additional virtual meetings according to their schedules, they may do so. We also encourage mentors to participate in annual in-person events.

Before each mentoring session, each participating mentor receives a suggesting topics and activities that coordinate with what the student covered in class the week before with GCSA staff. Mentors discuss a variety of topics with mentees related to their careers, their educational/college experiences, and their passions and interests. Mentors and mentees may also discuss experiences in their personal lives.

To be a GCSA mentor, no mentoring experience is required. We ask that mentors have at least 3-5 years work experience, some college education, and be eager to work with and guide our mentees.

At GCSA, we match our volunteer mentors with students who are typically under 18 years of age. To ensure that all of our mentors are safe, appropriate, and consistent adults, each volunteer receives a background check before being introduced to a student.

GCSA is partnered with several schools in New York City with students from the five boroughs.. These schools include UA School for Emergency Management, UA Gateway School of Technology, UA School for Design and Construction East Side Community High School, New Design High School. Students from each school are recruited at the end of their freshmen year to join GCSA. There is no screening process for students other than a commitment to weekly attendance in the program.

Mentors and mentees are asked to complete a survey which is used to match the pairs based on personality traits, interests, passions, and potentially work experience. Mentors can apply using the application/matching survey linked here.