In
today's society, young people need good parents.Good parents need trusting friends or
relatives to develop a whole 21st Century citizen.The term “at risk” describes a threat to
a nation’s youth -- and as such, its national security.To counter this threat, Youth Achievers
USA Institute (YOUTHUSA) values the ancient African proverb, “It takes a WholeVillage to raise a child.”
Mentor coordinates Spiritual, Physical,
Social, Financial, Educational, Professional and Recreational values and
resources to benefit one YOUTH ACHIEVER, age 7-24.In consultation with the Youth Achiever,
a parent or guardian empowers Mentor
with access to their most valued asset - the developing youth.Mentor
is an extension of a parent or guardian -- not a replacement.
The
relationship between youth, parent(s), and mentor models a foundation for
sustainable economic development when supported by the community.As the primary liaison between program,
community and beneficiary, Mentor
leverages local values and resources with access to Youth Achievers USA
Institute (YOUTHUSA), and the benefits of relationship with a corporation
of Whole Villages.
Mentor must maintain email
contact with YOUTHUSA at all times.
By ,
Mentor is a
wise and trusted counselor, an influential sponsor or supporter.In the Odyssey from Greek Mythology,
Athena, a loyal adviser of Odysseus, was known as “Mentor.”Odysseus entrusted Mentor
with the care and education of his son, Telemachus.YOUTHUSA recognizes Mentor as a caring adult, age 25-64, who
is the same sex as the Youth Achiever and is willing to make a positive
impact in the Youth Achiever’s holistic development.
B. WHAT IS THE WHOLEVILLAGE?
THE WHOLE VILLAGEis
comprised of twenty (20) adults, age 25 or older, who are relatives or
friends of the Youth Achiever. Persons who are committed to the long-term
success of the Youth Achiever should be asked by the young person to be a
part of their WholeVillage. The ideal WholeVillage
includes parent(s) or guardian(s), the Mentor, GrandMentor (senior citizen age
65 or older), relatives, a minister, business owners, veterans, and
church/community members.
C. WHAT IS MONEY-N-THE-BANK?
MONEY-N-THE-BANK is a measurable value.The term refers to seven goals (Spiritual,
Physical, Social, Financial, Educational, Professional, and Recreational)
established in a youth’s application to THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT
AWARDS.
D. WHO ARE THE ADVISORS?
SEVEN (7)ADVISORS from THE WHOLE
VILLAGE provide council for each of the seven goals.Advisors should not manage more than one
goal area.These advisors serve as
part of a local advisory board to the parent(s) and Mentor of a Youth Achiever.
E. WHO IS GRANDMENTOR?
GRANDMENTOR is a caring adult that is age 65 or older and considered
to be a wise elder.It may be the
grandparent, great grandparent or a senior from the church or
community.GrandMentor advises the "WholeVillage"
of a Youth Achiever and his/her caring adult Mentor.
F. WHAT IS THE COUNCIL OF MENTORS?
THE COUNCIL OF MENTORSis a national advisory board,Any member of any WholeVillage can
and participate in discussion forums, polls, event planning and employment
opportunities.Proceeds from monthly
subscriptions are applied to a perpetuating endowment fund.
G. WHAT IS A DOLLAR$HIP?
A DOLLAR$HIP is a financial seed
of $1-$20 contributed by YOUTHUSA during a local development event, a collective
$100 financial seed from a WHOLE VILLAGE,or any financial match by YOUTHUSA, its sponsors or social
enterprises to benefit a qualifying Youth Achiever.The Dollar$hip is held in escrow on
behalf of
the participating Youth Achiever to provide funding for college, housing or
business loans.
H. WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP?
A SCHOLARSHIP is a financial
award made to an approved learning institution on behalf of a YOUTH
ACHIEVER.Scholarship awards average
between $500 and $5000 based on merit, need and available funds.
I. CAN A MENTOR
BUILD CAPACITY THROUGH YOUTHUSA?
YES! Since 1998, youthusa.orghas served as the virtual headquarters for
THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS.The site, organization structure and policies are constantly under
review by directors and advisors committed to Youth Achievers who believe I
can achieve whatever I believe I can achieve.Any Youth Achiever can connect a friend
or reconnect yourself to all rights and responsibilities of a Youth
Achiever by .Technical assistance on capacity building is available through
J. WHO IS A YOUTH ACHIEVER?
A Youth Achiever has completed all requirements and is listed
among “WINNERS” at The Annual Youth Achievement Awards website.Although you must be age 7-24 at the time
of application, scholarships and awards may be made at any age.Applications are accepted throughout the
year.However, each year, fall
awards are made to qualifying applications that were received by April 15.
A
Now Achiever is age 18-24
A Next
Achiever is age 12-17
A
Future Achiever is age 7-11
A Mentor of a Youth Achiever and
members of their WholeVillage are eligible
for polling, discussions and development through at THE CONFERENCE CENTER.A
limited number of subscription scholarships are awarded to members based on
community participation and available funding.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
1. Once a Youth Achiever, ALWAYS a Youth Achiever.
2. The FREE online application process allows every Youth
Achiever to identify a caring adult Mentor
with the help of a parent or guardian.The Mentor coordinates the resources,
skills and contacts of the “WholeVillage” with Youth Achievers
USA Institute.
3. By using our FREE online tools, every youth applicant is
exposed to a marketable skill. The applicant defines seven personal goals
through our online application.Writing down specific goals enables every Youth Achiever to begin to
achieve their goals TODAY with the assistance of the “WholeVillage.”
4. The Whole Village is comprised of twenty (20) caring ADULTS,
age 25 or older.The village
provides safe places for a Youth Achiever to learn and grow. At the same
time, members are role models that impart wisdom and help a Youth Achiever
to become a WINNER.
5. Once the online application has been completed, every Youth
Achiever qualifies for a FREE website.It provides access to their written goals, members of their WholeVillage, a list of more than 50
scholarships and resources online.This information is secure with a user name and password.As goals and the village change, the
Youth Achiever can edit the application.
6. Every Youth Achiever has an Individual Development Account
(IDA) of at least $100.00 when completing our online application
process.It is the beginning of a
financial goal.Financial literacy
and fiscal responsibility are taught when the young person completes the
forms, opens the account, and increases their Individual Development Account
(IDA) by adding funds.
7. Every Youth Achiever and Whole Village has access to
professional technical assistance from Youth Achievers USA Institute as long as the Youth
Achiever has their $100.00 IDA.
8. "Winners" are recognized at youthusa.org among
fellow Winners and at local events hosted by members of the local WholeVillage.
9.Every mentor qualifies for leadership
opportunities via the national advisory board .Members of THE COUNCIL OF MENTORS
recommend and or manage partnerships and business relationships through
on-going collaboration at THE CONFERENCE CENTER.Council Members also advise YOUTHUSA on
products, services and suppliers to THE WHOLE VILLAGE.