More than 80% of our graduates are still gainfully employed, enrolled in school, or enlisted in the military four years after the program, thanks in large part to support from their mentors. 

Mentoring...the core of challenge

Matching cadets with a caring, responsible mentor is one of the most important components of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy experience. The mentor acts as an anchor of support to the cadet during the Residential phase and continues supporting him/her throughout the 12 month Post-Residential phase (a total of 17 months). 

The importance of mentoring

The mentor is key to a graduate’s successful transition to employment, continuing education and/or military. An established goal for all students is to complete a Post Residential Action Plan. This plan outlines the cadet's primary and secondary goals after graduation and is a guide for the Mentor and the cadet to follow upon returning home.

Mentoring responsibilities are fully communicated in the mentor application and will be clearly explained at mentor training. The Montana Youth Challenge Academy offers two training workshops per class cycle (mentors only need to attend one of these two workshops) and will communicate training dates with mentors in the application and interview.  

Not only is mentoring important for the development of these young men and women, but cadet placement and success during the Post Residential Phase is reported to the Montana State Legislature, National Guard Bureau and Congress to measure the short and long term success of the program.  

Mentors have a two-fold purpose:  To act as a life coach during the Residential and Post Residential Phases as well as submitting a monthly report on the cadet's placement activities and mentor contact for the 12 months following graduation.

Mentor Requirements

mentor responsibilities