Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a workplace-mentoring program that matches high school juniors and seniors with small businesses throughout Riverside County. The youth are provided an opportunity to learn marketable job skills while still attending high school. Youth receive a stipend for a maximum of 520 hours at the prevailing minimum wage, are encourage to develop savings plan and participate in a savings incentive match. Community Action matches dollar-for-dollar up to $100 saved by each youth after he/she successfully completes the program. The Employer/Mentor also provides matching funds up to $100 saved by the youth.
Program Requirements:
Youth must be in 11th or 12th grade and enrolled in High School;
Youth must live in Riverside County; and
Youth household must meet poverty income guidelines (see table below).
Project L.E.A.D. (Linking Education, Advocacy, and Development)
Project L.E.A.D. (Linking Education, Advocacy and Development), trains mentors/tutors to assist middle school students enrolled in after-school programs at various schools and Community Centers in Riverside County. Mentors/tutors provide cross-generational mentoring and tutoring through character development activities such as recreation, crafts, art, music, computers and academic course work. Mentors receive comprehensive pre-service orientation and on-going training and support for 400 hours of program service. Project L.E.A.D. Youth Coordinators receive hourly pay and will have the opportunity to apply for a match savings incentive.
Program Requirements:
Project L.E.A.D. Youth Coordinators must:
Be at least 18 years of age;
Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. and Pass ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Compliance Exam or have 45 college semester units;
Pass a fingerprint and background check;
Have reliable transportation to service sites;
Availability Mon - Fri during after-school hours; and
Commit to a minimum of 12 hours per week for the length of the program (August 1st – June 30th).
What is Riverside County Mentor Collaborative (RCMC)?
The RCMC is a partnership of mentor programs that assist, support, and encourage safe, positive mentor-mentee connections through:
Sponsoring mentor-trainer workshops;
Support and technical assistance for mentors and mentor-trainers;
Access to an 800 resource number to assist individuals and agencies;
Maintain a comprehensive directory to mentor programs throughout Riverside County;
Build strong networking relationships; and
Share best practice to provide effective mentoring to our youth.
A Mentor
Serves as a role model;
Gives quality time;
Gives guidance;
Shares a hobby or interest;
Encourages a child (in sports, the arts, academics or community service); and
Simply listens.
As a mentor you will:
Help a child to explore new worlds;
Share your experience/knowledge;
Provide positive reinforcement;
Develop positive goals and attitudes; and
Establish a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
How do I become a Mentor?
Contact the Riverside County Mentor Collaborative Information Line, at 1-888-MENTOR6 (toll free). You will be referred to a mentoring agency in your area that fits your needs. SPECIAL NOTE: All Mentor Programs require mentors to submit to a fingerprint and background check. There are many ways to become a mentor, no special qualifications are needed. Ask yourself whether you want to become involved on a long-term or short-term basis. How do you want to spend your time? Do you want to teach, build a relationship, participate one-on-one, or in a group.