This List may be a bit dated but should be of help
Sometimes, it’s helpful to have a mentor to give you a pat on the back – a little extra encouragement and guidance in life. Students in Detroit seeking a mentor can get involved with one of the various youth mentoring programs in Detroit. Or, for kids searching for youth development services that teach skills and provide support, Detroiters have those options, too. To help kids (and their parents) find these youth mentoring programs and leadership programs, we’ve compiled this guide.
Some are for kids who are struggling, others are for students looking to learn various skills and information. Be sure to call ahead and check that details have not changed. Know of any additional Detroit youth mentoring programs that fall under this category? Leave us a note in the comments.
Alternatives for Girls
- Address: 903 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- Phone: 313-361-4000
- Cost: Free
This group for homeless, high-risk girls and young women avoids violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation. The group also provides these women access resources and opportunities to be safe, grow strong and make positive choices.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit
- Address: 7700 Second Ave., Suite 602, Detroit
- Phone: 313-309-0500
- Cost: Call for details
Site- and school-based programs are offered for elementary, middle and high school youth. With this organization, students are paired with adult mentors from local corporations, and the volunteers meet with kids and participate in fun activities that explore education, career- and self-awareness, communication, decision-making, leadership, teamwork and academic success.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
- Auburn Hills, Matilda R. Wilson Club: 220 S. Squirrel Road
- Detroit, Diehl Club: 4242 Collingwood Ave.
- Detroit, NFL/YET Club at the Dauch Campus: 16500 Tireman St.
- Detroit, Holden Club: 20100 Schoenherr Road
- Detroit, Bloomer Club in Munger Pre-K-8 School: 5525 Martin St.
- Highland Park: Fauver-Martin Club, 24 Ferris Ave.
- Belleville, Donahey Club: 125 S. Edgemont St.
- Romulus, Romulus Club, 36900 Wick Road
- Phone: 248-522-4411
- Cost: $50/year (individual membership fee). Scholarships are available for youth in need.
Here, kids get involved with after-school programs and activities specifically focused on helping students with success in academics, making healthy lifestyle choices and developing good character. Students can partake in programs focused on the arts, character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation.
The program’s hours vary by location, and the program is open to students ages 6-18 enrolled in grades 1-12. Also, check out the Project STARS (Strategically Targeting At-Risk Students) program at Holden Club designed to provide academic intervention and mentoring for at-risk youth in Osborn.
Brightmoor Community Center
- Address: 14451 Burt Road, Detroit
- Phone: 313-531-0305
- Cost: Free
Have a middle school student? The Brightmoor Community Center offers an “I’m Going to College” mentoring program specifically for these kids. Check out some of their other programs like Developing and Nurturing Community Empowerment – or D.A.N.C.E. – which provides at-risk youth with low-cost training in the arts and athletics.
Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance’s Cody Rouge Youth Council
- Address: Don Bosco Hall Community Resource Center, 19321 W. Chicago St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-397-9280
- Cost: free; must live, work, worship or participate in a youth group in Cody Rouge
Provides ages 12-18 an opportunity to engage in conferences, forums and workshops focused on education while developing leadership skills. The kids in the group host monthly youth nights to determine key community issues – and are trained to work with local, county, state and national political officials to address safety and quality education.
Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation Youth Program
- Address: 1211 Trumbull St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-967-4880
- Cost: Contact for details
For youth ages 11-19, learn more about robotics, take a week-long camping trip, silk-screen a T-shirt and more in various programs offered by the DHDC. The Summer Youth Program teaches youth ages 11-18 life skills, arts and crafts and recreation, and older youth ages 14-18 can apply for a work experience at employers in Detroit and earn a stipend.
