Building Confidence and Leadership Through the Alumni Program

At Bolder Options, every young person begins their journey with a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a caring adult that lasts for a year. But our support doesn’t stop there. We provide a continuation of care through the Alumni Program, making sure youth stay connected to positive role models and gain the skills it takes to succeed in life.

This summer, alumni have been busy exploring the outdoors through Adventure Learning journeys that take them canoeing on the St. Croix River, backpacking along the Superior Hiking Trail, and camping deep in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. These experiences help them learn paddling and survival skills, practice teamwork, and build resilience. For many, these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the wilderness and discover their own strength.

Beyond the outdoors, alumni can continue to grow through I Believe and I Achieve programs which include paid training that connect them with pathways to explore strengths, interests, and future goals. "I Believe" focuses on building confidence and practical life skills, while "I Achieve" helps alumni step into professional opportunities, including internships. Here’s what a few of our alumni shared about their internship experiences:

Lilian

Through her internship, Lilian has been able to step into meaningful roles, helping with event planning, logistics, and supporting activities like back-to-school night. She carried boxes, organized supplies, and made sure families had what they needed.

“It made me feel good; it made me feel like I was helping and providing for them in some way. And it made me feel better seeing a smile on the kids’ faces, knowing they’re getting the stuff they need for school.”

Before starting, Lilian felt nervous about stepping into the working world, but her internship has been a confidence-builder.

“The more I work at Bolder Options, the more confidence I have gained.”

Her story shows how the Alumni Program builds confidence through hands-on event experience and direct service to others.

Raheem

Raheem’s internship has focused on supporting events, including the Open House and a volunteer day with the American Rental Association. He set up his own table to share information about the Bolder Options Alumni Program, welcoming new people and explaining how to get involved. At the ARA volunteer event he was featured in an interview and learned how to use a power washer!

“I was introducing people to Bolder Options and the alumni program and I had my own table, papers, and brochures. People came and I just explained to them how you could sign up to become a mentor and how to get into the alumni program.”

These experiences have sparked ideas about his future.

“I want to do business. I've been seeing movies about business ever since I was younger and it's something that just intrigues me. I feel like this has been helping me get ready for the work field. It’s setting me up for a real job at a young age.”

Raheem’s experience highlights how the program helps alumni explore career interests and grow their communication skills.

Abdiel

Abdiel started his internship after the Boundary Waters trip and has taken on responsibilities like preparing for adventure learning trips and helping younger participants.

“I've been organizing stuff, to get ready for other kids on the adventure learning trip, because I was in the same boat. I clean up after them too.”

One of his biggest takeaways so far has been meeting new people and pushing himself out of his comfort zone.

“I'm really antisocial so you know I'm trying to overcome that… this internship has really pushed me into presenting stuff. I would get so bad, I’d blank out sometimes, but this internship has helped a little bit.”

Abdiel also sees leadership as a key skill he’s developing through his time in the program.

“I've always been a leader, so I think that's gonna be one skill. That’s what everybody says to me - that I’m always the leader.”

Abdiel’s journey shows how the Alumni Program fosters leadership and personal growth by encouraging youth to step outside their comfort zones.

Elianna

Elianna originally learned about Bolder Options because her stepdad was a mentee here. Now, as an intern, she’s gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how Bolder Options runs. She was able to participate in meetings and learning how staff make the program work.

She played a big role in planning and supporting an event where the American Rental Association brought over 30 affiliate volunteers to help with landscaping and installing a new fence. Elianna not only helped with event logistics, like stocking beverages and making sure volunteers had the supplies they needed, but also wrote and delivered a speech to thank the volunteers for their time and effort.

Her story demonstrates how the Alumni Program helps youth build professionalism, organizational skills, and confidence in public speaking.

Together, Lilian, Raheem, Abdiel, and Elianna’s stories reflect the many ways the Bolder Options Alumni Program empowers youth to believe in themselves, achieve their goals, and continue to grow as leaders. From paddling a canoe to presenting at an event, these experiences prepare alumni for challenges ahead and show them that they are capable of more than they ever imagined.