There’s a child in Summit County who needs you.

Change their life just by showing up and being yourself.

256 youth in Summit County are waiting for mentors — and that number is rising.

Right now in Summit County, 256 youth are on a waiting list, hoping for a mentor—a caring, trusted adult who will listen, open doors, and help them see what’s possible. These connections can change the course of a life, improving school success, building resilience, and guiding positive choices. We’re offering youth mentoring programs to provide that kind of support. Will you be the one they’ve been waiting for?

Become a Mentor

Mentors help children become their best selves.

The data is clear: Youth mentoring programs play a pivotal role in children’s success.

of mentored youth say their mentors have helped them with education-related issues.

of mentored youth say their mentors have supported their mental health.

of mentored youth say their mentors helped them build a sense of belonging.

Our Process

We make mentorship easy. Tell us about you and your availability, and we’ll match you with youth mentoring opportunities in the Akron area.

Become a Mentor

Apply

Fill out our 5-minute application to become a youth mentor.

Match

Get paired with the right organization and the right child.

Transform

Start a mentoring relationship you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

About SCMC

Summit County Mentoring Collaborative (SCMC) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2021 to address the critical shortage of youth mentors in the area. By bringing together local mentoring organizations, we’re able to find the best opportunities for every mentor. Our goal is to provide a mentor to every child in Summit County who needs one.

Our Member Organizations

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina, and Stark Counties

United Way of Summit and Medina - HV3 Foundation (Youth United)

Our Member Organizations

What Our Mentors Say

Here’s why our mentors love what they do.

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“Mentors are the key to help our youth unlock their full potential.”

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“Mentoring isn’t a huge time commitment, but it makes a huge difference in the lives of students.”

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“It’s really gratifying to make that special connection.”

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“Mentoring teaches kids that it’s okay to be in touch with their feelings.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about mentoring.

What is mentoring?

We define mentoring as building a consistent, lasting relationship with a child who needs adult support and guidance. Mentoring can take many forms, whether that’s meeting a mentee every week or volunteering with a group twice a month. No matter who you are or where you are in life, we’ll find the right mentoring opportunity for you.

How do I become a mentor for youth?

Fill out our mentorship application form to get started! We’ll match you with your mentorship opportunities in Summit, County.

Does it cost anything to become a mentor?

Applying to become a mentor is completely free.

Can I become a mentor if I don’t have a lot of time?

Absolutely! We work with your schedule to find volunteer opportunities that fit your lifestyle.

Do I need any skills or certifications to become a mentor?

Not at all! If you can show up and listen to a child, you can be a mentor.