As a startup organization, YMC understands the importance of continuous improvement. That’s why we have listened to your feedback and are excited for you to join us on this journey of reimagining our consulting process. We will be back in June with a revised suite of services and a new streamlined process that improves project outcomes for our clients. Stay tuned for more information about eligibility, the application process, and requirements for working with us.
Looking for a paid consultancy?
We are still accepting paid clients!
Because our work is made possible through grants, sponsorships, and contracts, we believe that organizations that can afford to pay for our services should do so. Learn more about our equitable approach to pricing and how we can help your organization by clicking below.
Our Services
Youth Mentoring Collaborative provides fee-for and no-cost consulting services to any initiative that serves young people. Our services support the overall youth services ecosystem by building practitioners' and organizations' capacities to meet their mission. This includes providing training, resources, public awareness, and advocacy that supports the expansion of mentoring initiatives.
What does capacity building mean?
We like the National Council of Nonprofits' definition as outlined below:
Capacity building is whatever is needed to bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, so it may more effectively and efficiently advance its mission into the future. Capacity building is not a one-time effort to improve short-term effectiveness, but a continuous improvement strategy toward the creation of a sustainable and effective organization.
Research shows that by committing to quality improvements, programs can nurture stronger, longer lasting mentoring relationships. Through no-cost program consultation, Youth Mentoring Collaborative works with well-established, newly-developing programs, and those in between to improve their quality and impact.
How We Have Helped Historically
We are not currently accepting new no-cost consulting applications. Below are the types of projects we have supported. Our new service menu will include some changes to project types.
Below, find a sampling of program planning and design topics that can be focused on through our no-cost consultation.
- Reviewing the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring
- Conducting a needs assessment
- Developing or enhancing a logic model or theory of change
- Crafting a mission statement and developing program goals
- Developing expected program outcomes linked to program design
- Defining the parameters of your program
- Reviewing the relevant research related to your program model/service population
- Determining the nature of match sessions
- Developing or reviewing written policies and procedures
- Planning for a program expansion or other major change
- Changing or integrating mentoring models
- Incorporating youth voice and leadership into program design and structure
- Incorporating trauma-informed care and culturally competent mentoring frameworks into program design and structure
Additional topics of focus are available upon request.
Below, find a sampling of program management topics that can be focused on through no-cost consultation.
- Developing a staffing model, or planning for a staff transition
- Developing an advisory board that reflects the community you are serving
- Developing systems for managing program information
- Crafting a resource development plan
- Developing a marketing plan and materials
- Develop a plan for ongoing staff development and training
- Reviewing best practices for nonprofit management and incorporation
- Incorporating youth voice and leadership through development of a youth advisory board
- Conducting an equity audit for your mentoring program
- Reviewing program materials for strengths-based language
- Training program staff on how to use the Mentoring Connector mentor recruitment tool
Additional topics of focus are available upon request.
Below, find a sampling of program operations topics that can be focused on through technical assistance consultation.
- Reviewing the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring
- Reviewing the relevant research related to your program model/service population
- Developing or enhancing a mentor or mentee recruitment plan
- Developing or enhancing processes for safe and inclusive mentor and/or mentee screening
- Developing or enhancing a program orientation for mentors, mentees, and families
- Developing or enhancing a pre-match training for mentors and/or mentees
- Developing or enhancing materials for ongoing mentor and/or mentee training sessions
- Developing or enhancing a manual for mentors, mentees, and/or families
- Developing or enhancing processes for effective and culturally responsive matching
- Planning for match initiation
- Developing or enhancing program curriculum
- Developing or enhancing a plan for family engagement
- Developing or enhancing processes for effective monitoring and support of matches
- Developing or enhancing a plan for match recognition
- Developing or enhancing processes for planned and unintended match closure
Additional topics of focus are available upon request.
Below, find a sampling of program evaluation topics that can be focused on through technical assistance consultation.
- Developing or enhancing a process evaluation plan to measure effectiveness of program processes
- Developing or enhancing an outcome evaluation plan to measure effectiveness of program at reaching expected outcomes
- Reviewing available evidence-based tools and resources for program evaluation
- Developing or enhancing a logic model and/or theory of change
- Linking program design to expected program outcomes
- Developing or enhancing a process for conducting exit surveys and interviews among mentors, mentees, and families
- Developing or enhancing customized evaluation tools (including surveys and scoring tools)
- Staff training on how to use evaluation tools
- Analyzing and creating a plan for improvement based on evaluation results
- Communicating evaluation outcomes to stakeholders
- Staff training on program evaluation
Additional topics of focus are available upon request.
While You Wait
While we’re working on our new process, here are a few ways you can take advantage of YMC services and engage with us:
Events Calendar
We recommend you bookmark this page and register for any and all upcoming events that interest you!
Summer Social Justice Academy
Looking for opportunities for a high school youth? Learn more about our Summer Social Justice Academy! Applications close on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Read Our Blog
Stay up-to-date on YMC's current happenings, guides, news, conversations, and more by checking out our blog.
2022 Annual Report
2022 was a big year for YMC. We rebranded, hosted our first Symposium, and grew the team. Learn more about our accomplishments and updates in our Annual Report.
In the meantime, follow us on social media!
[Working with YMC has been] Transformative. We're significantly clearer on our desired outcomes and how to measure and report on our progress toward those outcomes.
Derek Rhodes, Durham Success Summit
Meet Our Team of Experts
Our talented team of nonprofit practitioners offer an unmatched depth of knowledge and experience.
Tools & Resources
Our resource library is stacked with tools and resources curated specifically for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read this page for answers to some of the most common questions about working with YMC.