NYS Mentoring Program

Founded by Former First Lady Matilda Cuomo in 1984, the mentoring program seeks to create mentor/mentee relationships for children in schools, foster care, and the court system.

Mentors are positive role models who guide youth with respect, structure, and compassion to build positive life skills. 

The NYS Mentoring Program was included in the FY2016 State Budget and began to grow each year until the impact of COVID-19 on schools which resulted in the number of programs being reduced by 50 percent. The programs that continued adapted to virtual applications for implementation. 

In fall 2021, Governor Hochul announced a new Latina Mentoring Program Cohort to be launched in early 2022 in regions throughout the state. Moreover, the Program has seen a significant uptick in interest and commitment, doubling the number of programs and mentors, bringing the program back to pre-pandemic results.

The NYS Mentoring Program leverages the resources of communities, schools, and businesses to match youth with screened and trained volunteer mentors. Currently, there is one Program Director and eight program staff located in regions throughout the state training and supporting dedicated adults and high-achieving high school students who are matched with students in the school-based program and youth involved in the court system.

 

Interested in becoming a mentor?

When you join the NYS Mentoring Program, you are helping to make a real difference in a young person's life! The process to become a mentor is simple. Click here to apply.

 

Mail Option

If you prefer to mail your Mentoring application,
please complete and print this PDF application and send it to:

Council on Children and Families
52 Washington Street, Suite 99 West
Rensselaer, NY 12144

Questions?

Call 1-518-473-3652

OR
e-mail the NYS Mentoring Program