Mentor Program

🌟 Elk Grove Rotary Foundation

Youth Incentive Mentor Program

Since 1999, the Youth Incentive Mentor Program has been a flagship initiative of the Elk Grove Rotary Foundation—dedicated to empowering local students with the tools, relationships, and experiences needed to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

The program was born out of a generous endowment from a former Rotarian. It continues to honor that legacy by investing in students who show great potential but face significant life barriers.

🎓 Program Overview

The program maintains a cohort of up to 10 students at a time—two students per grade level from 8th through 12th. Once selected, mentees are paired with committed adult mentors and supported throughout their high school journey. At successful high school graduation, students receive a scholarship for post-secondary education, including a trade school, community college, or a four-year university.

🧭 What Mentorship Means

Mentors are successful, community-minded professionals who build consistent, positive relationships with students—guiding them through challenges and celebrating their growth.

Mentoring is listening, guiding, goal-setting, advising, and encouraging.
It’s about showing up with patience, passion, and purpose.

Mentors provide students with:

• Real-world experiences

• College and career exposure

• Academic and personal development tools

• Ongoing support and encouragement

The program also partners with Soroptimist International to enrich students' experiences and broaden their support networks.

🚸 Mentee Selection Criteria

📌 Our Goal:

To identify students who show sincere potential and the most significant financial need and who would benefit most from long-term guidance and opportunity.

✅ Required Mentee Characteristics:

• A sincere interest in self-improvement

• Honest respect for education and authority

• Minimal behavioral issues are preferred

• Willingness to participate in program activities

• At least one parent/guardian is enthusiastic about the program

• Ability and openness to accept supervision and encouragement

• Displays stable, moral, and ethical attitudes

• Pleasant disposition

• No significant mental or medical conditions that would interfere

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent/Guardian Requirements:

• Strong desire for the student to attend post-secondary education

• High expectations and active support for the student's success to be involved and open to parenting suggestions

• Agreement to support the student attending at least 90% of all activities, including overnight events

• Provides a stable, supportive home environment

• Respect the education system and authority figures

• Acts as a positive role model in the community

• Willing to attend at least 50% of activities involving parents or guardians

📚 Real-World Learning Experiences

The program provides students with opportunities that include:

• Tours of colleges, universities, and trade schools

• Visits to professional workplaces and government institutions

• Goal-setting retreats and leadership workshops

• Participation in Elk Grove Rotary and community service events:

  • Creek cleanups

  • Local festival volunteering

  • Christmas with Santa

  • Veterans Day, July 4th, and Strauss Festival events

  • Parade participation and fundraiser support

Since its inception, many students have successfully graduated high school and pursued higher education or rewarding careers—transforming from underachievers into confident, capable young leaders.

🤝 Who Should Become a Mentor?

If you see potential in a" "diamond in the "tough," enjoy mentoring," youth, and understand the power of encouragement—you could be a life-changing mentor.

Ideal mentors are:

• Reliable and encouraging adults (individuals or couples)

• Strong communicators and empathetic listeners

• Committed to consistency, trust-building, and student success

• Willing to model values of service, learning, and leadership

📩 Want to Learn More or Get Involved?

For more information on how to become a mentor, support a mentee, or contribute to the Youth Incentive Mentor Program, please reach out to us:

📧 Email: contact@elkgroverotary.org
🌐 Website: www.elkgroverotary.org 

We'd love to connect with potential mentors, donors, or partners who believe in the power of investing in youth.