The Aurora Youth Options (AYO) Mentor program matches adult volunteers with youth based on mutual interests and personality traits, connecting with a personal mentor as their life coach and friend. Mentors help youth develop their strengths and achieve their goals by using their experiences and expertise to help identify available resources.

Mentors are thoroughly vetted, receive regular training and coaching, and are supported by a life skills program and activities and resources to provide the youth with the best mentoring possible. 


Become a Youth Mentor

Make a positive difference in a young person's life by volunteering to become a AYO Youth Mentor. We serve a diverse population of middle and high school-aged youth, who live in or go to school in Aurora. We are looking for volunteers to help teach youth about important life skills, someone who will help them thrive, and who will expose them to new experiences.

Matches between youth and mentors are based on similar interests and personalities. Our AYO Mentor Specialists provide ongoing support throughout the mentoring relationship, along with tickets to sporting games, museums, plays, musicals, etc.

Our mentoring program is flexible and we work with people who work full-time jobs, attend school, have families and much more.

One of Our Many Success Stories:

A testament to the success of our mentorship program is the story of mentor Cybele Antonow, and her mentee Katelyn. Antonow loved the notion of helping youth in positive ways, and once paired with Katelyn, the two met twice a month for two years. 

“She always made an environment that felt like I was with a good friend, who was there to help me navigate life a little easier,” Todd said.”

Years later, they are still friends.

“If it hadn’t been for AYO, I would have never had this wonderful relationship with such a worthwhile person who also benefitted from my support along her path to live a great and successful life,” Antonow said.

Are You Who We're Looking For?

  • - AYO seeks mentors from all backgrounds, ages (21+), experiences and careers.
  • - All of our volunteers go through an extensive interview process, must pass a federal and state background check as well as reference checks.

 

Apply to be a mentor today by filling out this form.

Contact Us

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