News & Stories

As we welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the impact we can make in the lives of others. This year, consider becoming a volunteer with BGCBigs’ MYYAC (Mentoring Youth and Young Adults from Care) program and becoming a mentor to a young adult ages 16-24. Your support can inspire, guide, and empower the next generation as they navigate key stages of their lives.

New Short-term Commitment Program

To help make being a volunteer mentor more accessible, BGCBigs is piloting a new short-term commitment program for MYYAC volunteers to be a mentor to a young adult starting March 2025 through the end of August 2025. This is a departure from BGCBigs’ traditional Community-based mentoring program, where the commitment is a minimum of one year.

By offering this new short-term commitment, we’re hoping we can:

• Encourage more people to volunteer to be a mentor
• Get more young people off the waitlist and matched to a mentor
• Show people how easy (and rewarding) it is to be a mentor

Click here learn more about this new pilot program.

Why Mentorship Matters for Young Adults

Young adulthood is a critical time for growth and decision-making. Mentorship offers young adults the chance to develop skills, build confidence, and feel supported during this transitional phase. A mentor’s guidance can:

• Provide clarity and direction for career and educational goals.
• Build confidence through positive role modeling.
• Create a sense of belonging and stability for those seeking support.

As a mentor to a young adult, you will support your mentee through the different challenges and goals, from helping them learn independent living skills (like resume building and money management) to simply hanging out, becoming friends and increasing their network of support.

By becoming a mentor, you’ll not only transform someone else’s life but also enrich your own through meaningful connections and shared achievements. Remember: it doesn’t take special skills or advanced education to be a good mentor—your time and commitment is all you need!

At BGCBigs we like to say “you don’t have to change the future, just the moment.” It’s that easy to be a mentor.

How MYYAC is Making an Impact

The MYYAC program pairs volunteer mentors with young adults who have current or previous involvement with Children Services (i.e., living in foster homes or group care) or are transitioning out of care and living independently. These young people are ready to embrace their potential but just need a bit of guidance to help achieve their  goals.

Through the MYYAC program, we hope to develop:

• Countless success stories of mentees thriving in education and careers.
• Strong, supportive relationships that continue long after the mentorship period ends.
• A growing community of empowered, confident young adults who are giving back to their communities.

When you volunteer to be a MYYAC mentor, BGCBigs will provide you with everything you need to be a good mentor, such as enhanced volunteer training. You’ll even be connected to a Match Facilitator who will support you in your mentoring match every step of the way to ensure your mentorship journey is successful and rewarding.

Apply to be a MYYAC Mentor before January 31 to receive free perks

Volunteers who submit their volunteer application before January 31, 2025, and who meet all program requirements*, will have access to an exclusive, limited-time perk, where BGCBigs will  provide mentors with a variety of free tickets and/or passes they can use to attend community events, cultural experiences, local festivals or shows with their mentee in the city (and surrounding area) this spring and summer.

*Space to qualify for this exclusive perk is limited. To be eligible for this perk, all applicants must submit their application by no later than the January 31^st application deadline, must meet all volunteer enrollment and training requirements, and must be matched to their mentee by no later than March 1, 2025.

Start Your Mentorship Journey Today

Becoming a volunteer mentor with MYYAC is easy and impactful. Whether you have experience in mentoring or are starting fresh, the program welcomes individuals from all walks of life who are passionate about supporting young adults.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply to be a mentor to a young adult (ages 16-24) from March 2025 through end of August 2025.

Learn more about the MYYAC program and its impact.

Together, we can create a brighter future for the young adults in our community. Your time and guidance can open doors, change perspectives, and inspire lifelong growth.

Deadline to apply is January 31, 2025.

How You Can Help Spread The Word

• Share this blog with your friends and family.
• Follow and engage with our social media posts.
• Encourage others to explore the benefits of mentorship and apply to become a MYYAC volunteer.

Let’s make 2025 a year of positive change—one mentorship at a time.