USA Youth Programs

Educational and mentoring programs throughout the US also offer instruction and support to youth in need. These programs are most appropriate for volunteers who are willing to make a long-term commitment to working with their students.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, 230 N. 13th St., Philadelphia (☎215-567-7000; www.bbbsa.org). This century-old organization provides mentorship, friendship, and support to hundreds of thousands of American kids. Paired “Bigs” and “Littles” work on homework together, participate in community service, or just hang out.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 1275 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 (☎404-487-5700; www.bcga.org). Boys and Girls Clubs of America seek to instill “competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence” in their community youth. Clubs are open daily, and memberships are affordable, creating a unique space for children who have limited recreation opportunities. Programs range from character and leadership initiatives to arts enrichment.
Child Welfare League of America, 2345 Crystal Dr., Ste. 250, Arlington, VA 22202 (☎703-412-2400; www.cwla.org). Almost 800 public and private not-for-profit organizations make up the Child Welfare League of America, which works to help 3.5 million children who have been abused or neglected. Programs include family foster care, child mental health, juvenile justice, and housing issues. Their website maintains current research for youth advocates, as well as a database of publications and program opportunities.
Do Something!, Inc. 24-32 Union Square East, 4th fl., New York, NY 10003 (http://www.dosomething.org). Founded by Dress-for-Success CEO Nancy Lublin, Do Something! uses the Internet to inspire and empower young volunteers who want to make a difference. The foundation distributes over $1 million in grant money each year to fund projects developed by young adults, and the website does everything from suggesting project ideas to connecting volunteers with programs in their neighborhoods.
Good Shepherd Services, 305 Seventh Ave., 9th fl., New York, NY 10001 (☎917-318-9993; http://www.goodsheperds.org). Good Shepherd operates one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, and tutoring services for vulnerable adolescents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. Mentors and tutors work with youth placed in residential programs and foster boarding homes, teaching job skills and inspiring career readiness.
The National Mentoring Partnership, 1600 Duke St., Ste. 300, Alexandria, VA 22314 (☎703-224-2200; www.mentoring.org). Advocates the expansion of mentoring programs with the goal of serving the 17.6 million children in the US who could benefit from mentor relationships. Maintains a database of mentoring opportunities, including state and local mentoring partnerships, programs, and volunteer centers.