Below is an explanation of the NMYCA Mentor Program, as well as a Statement of Understanding that you will need to acknowledge before proceeding with your application.


New Mexico National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (NMNGYCA) offers a unique opportunity for the youth of New Mexico, ages16-18, who are struggling in school or who have already dropped out of school. It truly is a "second chance" to turn their lives around. One very important part of our program is the involvement of mentors. When a cadet has a mentor who is committed to help him/her succeed, he or she is more likely to finish the program and return to his/her community as a productive citizen. We all know that time is valuable, but this opportunity is life-changing for both the cadet and you as a mentor. Below is a brief description of  the Mentor Program at NMGYCA:

- Each cadet must identify a mentor and provide a complete mentor application to be considered for acceptance into the program.  

- Once an applicant is accepted, the prospective mentor will be subject to a state and federal background check.
The prospective mentor is required to attend mentor training and mentors will be notified at least 2 weeks before the training date.  

- Mentors and cadets must communicate during the Residential Phase. Cadets will write letters to mentors weekly and mentors are encouraged to respond as soon as letters are received. We also have an online option to respond to your cadet.

- After completing training, mentors are allowed to schedule visits with their cadets. Visits are not mandatory, but highly encouraged.

- Prior to completing the Residential Phase, cadets will develop a Post-Residential Action Plan (P-RAP), which will outline what the cadet wants to do after the Residential Phase. Mentors will receive a copy of their cadet's P-RAP at mentor training and are encouraged to revisit this document regularly when talking with their cadet to ensure that progress is being made.

- The mentor must live within a 50-mile radius of their cadet. This is to be able to maintain effective communication and continue to build a strong, lasting relationship. Once the cadet completes the Residential Phase, the requirement is that mentors maintain a minimum of 4 hours of contact with your cadet each month. These contacts can be in any form: face to face, phone, mail, etc.

- The total period of commitment by a mentor is 14 months (2 months during the Residential Phase and the 12 month Post-Residential Phase). Mentors play an important role encouraging their cadets to enroll in school, get a job, and stay on the path they have set for themselves in their P-RAP.

Mentors are also required to send a monthly report to the NMYCA Case Manager during the 12 month Post-Residential Phase. You will be advised during training of the methods of reporting, as well as the deadlines that need to be met.