Leadership Development and Mentoring Services

The LA Conservation Corps Leadership Development and Mentoring Services help to empower youth while aiding them in making positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers committed to supporting, guiding, and befriending a young person. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Program Goal
The goal of the Mentoring Program is to assist young people with developing interpersonal skills, and obtaining personal growth within the various LA Corps programs thereby boosting academic achievement resulting in personal success. Mentors assist with career exploration, and strengthen connections between our LA Corps participants, their families and neighboring communities. These supportive mentoring relationships also serve to reduce juvenile crime, substance abuse, and recidivism for LA Corps participants and graduates.

The Role of the Mentor?
Mentors are trusted guides helping young people make positive decisions, form their own values, and realize their full potential. Our mentors serve as a supportive guide youth need to pursue their dreams. Mentors offer quality time support, guidance, advice, and more youth through the mentoring partnership. Inspiring a youth to pursue a world of possibilities through mentoring is one of the most rewarding ways to give back and make a difference.

Our LA Corps mentors are asked to commit to:
• serving as a positive adult role model and friend sensitive to their mentee’s goals, challenges and needs
• increase the mentee's exposure to a variety of social, educational, cultural and other enrichment opportunities
• emphasize the value of learning and provide academic support
• encourage educational and vocational exploration and provide information about opportunities in higher education
• guiding their mentee on how to tap into their passion in an effort to reach their personal, educational and career goals

How to Become a Mentor
All LA Corps mentors are:
• At least 21 years of age
• Able to pass the screening requirements for participation: Child Abuse and Neglect Registry,
Sexual Offender Registry and Department of Justice (FBI) clearance.
• Attend four-hour pre-match mentor training.
• Participate in initial and post-match training
• Make a one-year commitment and spend a minimum of four hours per month face to face with mentee.
• Willing to complete the application and screening process.
• Complete an application (download below).
• Submit a DMV driving record print out.
• Participate in a personal interview.
• Provide four personal references.

Download Application
Click Here

Contact Us
Mary Starks MSW
Leadership Development and Mentoring Services
LA Conservation Corps
2824 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Tel: (213) 749-3601 ext. 211