EVERY DREAM NEEDS A TEAM
#EVERYDREAMNEEDSATEAM is not just a hashtag at CYC. We fervently believe that our youth can achieve their wildest dreams when connected to the right resources and supported by caring peers and adults.
100 HEROES CAMPAIGN
CYC has launched our 100 Heroes Campaign to recruit 100 mentors in 100 Days to support our rising high school seniors - the Class of 2026 - by March 25th, 2025!
As our programs continue to grow, so does our need for mentors. For the 2025-2026 school year, we anticipate working with 105 seniors - our largest class to date - who will be embarking on their journey to college! Our mentors play a critical role as coaches and motivators, guiding Fellows through college applications, scholarships, and more throughout their senior year. Like heroes, CYC mentors inspire and guide our Fellows to dream big, overcome challenges, and reach their fullest potential.
Read below to discover more about becoming an EmpowerMentor or CAPS Mentor!
Core Volunteer Opportunities
We're in need of passionate community members looking to share resources, social capital, and knowledge with our Torch Fellows (high school students). They play a critical role in our work through embodying and helping our Fellows live out our core values: Empowerment, Excellence, Growth, Openness, and Community.
List of Services
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EMPOWERMENTORList Item 1
At CYC, we choose to self-advocate and maximize resources by taking advantage of every opportunity. EmpowerMentors serve as a valuable resource for one senior Fellow in the Class of 2026, guiding them through the college admissions process as a sounding board, coach, and motivator.
Who: College graduate excited about working with teens. No prior mentoring experience required. Virtual mentoring available.
Level of commitment: High - must be available weekly for atleast twice-monthly check-ins starting May 2025.
Location: Charlotte-area and remote opportunities available
Timeline:
-Feb 2025 - April 2025: Onboarding & Training
-May 2025: Mentoring Matching & Monthly trainings
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CAPS Mentor
CAPS Mentors serve as advocates, accountability partners, and motivators for one CAPS Scholarship nominee. Mentors will assist Fellows in their college search and also help them work through their longer-term career goals. The CAPS scholarship covers the cost of attendance at any in-state, public school.
All CYC Mentors are provided initial and ongoing training and are backed by CYC staff and community partners to support the mentor x mentee relationship.
Who: College graduate excited about working with teens. No prior mentoring experience required. Virtual mentoring available.
Level of commitment: High - Monthly meetings from high school senior year through second year in college.
Year 1 - Required monthly meetings & workshops
Year 2 - Bi-monthly meetings
Year 3 - Semester meetings or as needed
Location:Charlotte-area and remote opportunities available.
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COMMUNITY AidList Item 4
At CYC, we take care of our Youth Union and each other.
Community Aides complete meaningful tasks (data entry, facility organization, snack preparation and distribution, etc. ) that support the daily operation of CYC.
Who: 18+ caring and committed community member looking for an opportunity to give back.
Level of commitment: Flexible, based on need and volunteer availability.
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EXCELLENCE CoachList Item 3
At CYC, we invest in Excellence by putting forth our absolute best. Excellence Coaches support Fellows in showcasing their best through writing. Excellence Coaches work with Fellows to effectively tell their stories through personal statements, college application short responses, and scholarship essays.
Who: Current college student or college graduate with a talent and excitement for supporting written expression.
Level of commitment: Flexible, based on need and volunteer availability.
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OPENNESS Facilitator
At CYC, we respect and embrace experiences and perspectives that differ from our own. We invite community members in to share their experiences and host respectful conversations showcasing new ideas and opportunities to our Fellows. The possibilities are endless!
Who: Community members with an interest in helping Fellows gain meaningful exposure to various topics.
Level of commitment - Once monthly.
