MENTEE REQUIREMENTS

REFERRAL GUIDANCE

Thank you for considering a referral to Bolder Options. We value your partnership in supporting youth and families, and we rely on your insight to help identify young people who are ready to benefit from a structured, mentoring-based experience.

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Our Commitment

At Bolder Options, we believe in the inherent potential of every young person. Our mission is to walk alongside youth as they grow through health, education, and personal development. We match each youth with a trained adult mentor and support their journey through structured programming focused on physical activity, academic growth, college and career readiness, and life skills.

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Our Responsibility

While we strive to be inclusive, we also recognize our limits as a community-based mentoring program—not a therapeutic or clinical intervention. To protect the safety and well-being of all participants, we must ensure that youth are a good fit for the program’s structure and expectations.

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It is heartbreaking to meet a young person and their caregivers only to determine that we cannot move forward with a match. These decisions are never taken lightly, and we know they can be painful for everyone involved.

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How You Can Help:

• Review our Youth Participation Criteria before submitting a referral.

• Give thoughtful consideration to whether the youth is emotionally and behaviorally ready to engage in one-on-one mentoring and group-based activities.

• Be transparent in your referral—share relevant behavioral, emotional, academic, and family context. This helps us make informed, ethical decisions that minimize harm and maximize impact.

• Consult with us if you’re unsure whether a youth is a good fit. We are happy to talk through concerns or clarify expectations.

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Final Note

We know that referrals are made with care and in the best interest of each young person. Thank you for trusting us with that process. Your honesty and thoroughness make a significant difference in ensuring that youth are placed in environments where they can truly succeed.

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If you have questions, need clarification, or want to discuss a potential referral, please reach out to us at support@bolderoptions.org.

AGE REQUIREMENTS