Youth and Mentoring Programs

We have several youth mentoring programs that range from traditional 1:1 mentoring to group mentoring programs. Read more about each of our student-led mentoring programs below.

Community Friends

Community Friends is a one-on-one mentoring program at Middlebury College that matches college students with children ages 6-12 in Addison County. This program serves as a bridge between students and local youth, fostering meaningful relationships and providing positive role models for the children. 

As a mentor in Community Friends, students meet with their mentee for about two hours each week, engaging in activities such as playing games, exploring campus, and crafting. Mentors and mentees schedule their meetings based on mutual availability, typically on the Middlebury College campus, and occasionally attend group events throughout the year. Mentors receive training through two sessions each semester and ongoing support through weekly emails with activity ideas and check-ins from Student Coordinators. 

Community Friends is ideal for students who are interested in building lasting relationships with local children and contributing to their growth and development.

Learn more: Community Friends  
Contact: comfriends@middlebury.edu 

DREAM Mentoring

Directing through Recreation, Education, Adventure, and Mentoring (DREAM) is a mentoring organization that serves youth ages 5-18 living in affordable housing neighborhoods. It aims to close the opportunity gap and empower young people through structured activities and mentorship. 

As a mentor with DREAM, students engage with youth each Friday, participating in fun activities such as apple-picking, hiking, and ceramics. The program utilizes a larger group mentoring model while also focusing on establishing one-on-one mentor-mentee relationships. 

DREAM is best suited for students who enjoy working with young people and want to make a positive impact in their lives. Training and guidance are provided to support mentor interactions with the youth and enhance their experience.

Learn more: DREAM Mentoring 
Contact: dream@middlebury.edu

Middlebury College Access Mentors

Middlebury College Access Mentors (MiddCAM) is a one-on-one mentorship program that pairs Middlebury College student mentors with high school juniors who are primarily first-generation and/or low-income college applicants to provide guidance. 

MiddCAM mentors accompany their mentees through the college application process by helping them coordinate standardized testing and develop a college list, editing essays and personal statements, and providing information about the college experience, as well as other resources they may not have access to. Mentors are provided with training and support by the group’s administrators, the Center for Community Engagement, and the Middlebury Union High School guidance department. 

Students who would enjoy being a part of a crucial life process are welcome to join.

Learn more: MiddCAM
Contact: cam@middlebury.edu

Sibling to Sibling

Sibling to Sibling (Sib2Sib) is an organization that hosts monthly events for local middle school students, providing opportunities for group bonding activities and discussions on adolescent topics. Sib2Sib creates a safe and engaging space for middle schoolers to have fun, make new friends, and benefit from mentorship and guidance from college students. 

As an “older sibling” volunteer in Sib2Sib, students will attend weekly meetings to plan each month’s event and participate in the events by facilitating activities, leading discussions, and being a supportive presence for the “younger siblings.” 

This organization is ideal for college students interested in mentoring children ages 11-14 in a group setting and making a positive impact on their growth and development.

Learn more: Sib2Sib
Contact: sistertosister@middlebury.edu