Be a Peer Mentee!

Are you or a young teen you know looking for extra support? Want to talk to someone close in age who gets it? Apply to be a Peer Mentee with UpStreet! 

Overview

 

Peer support is important, especially when it comes to mental and emotional health! Would you or a young teen you know benefit from having a slightly older peer to help navigate the challenges of middle and high school?  

UpStreet’s Peer Mentoring program aims to create a safe space to foster mentoring relationships. The program is text message-based, meaning that mentees can participate from anywhere and receive ongoing text support from their mentors. 

2024-25 School Year: 

Applications Due  –  Sunday, September 22th 2024   

Rolling Interviews  –  Through Tuesday, October 1th 2024   

Mentees & Mentors Notified  –  Friday, October 11th 2024 

Mentor & Mentee Zoom Intros – Week of October 21st

Text Message-Based Mentoring  –  Monday, October 28th 2024 – Friday, May 30th, 2025 

What can mentees expect from the program?

  • Getting paired with a mentor based on shared interests, identities, and need 
  • Participating in at least twice weekly (set times) text message conversations with their mentor  
  • Additional direct support from UpStreet therapists if needed

What are the benefits for mentees? 

  • Receive advice from trained peers 
  • Find support through a flexible text message-based program 
  • Build self-awareness and confidence 
  • Strengthen their abilities to navigate everyday life 
  • Learn more about local youth mental health resources 

Important Information

Application Requirements

  • Parent Permission  
  • Virtual or in-person UpStreet interview 

Program Commitment

  • Have a personal smartphone with the ability to send and receive text messages 
  • Commit to text messaging with mentor at least 2x each week (at set times) 
  • Complete all required surveys and feedback forms  
  • Be responsive to e-mails and communication from the program coordinator 
Jess Gold

Jess Gold

Mentoring and Outreach Coordinator

JFCS Youth Services
jgold@jfcspgh.org

2024 Summer Cohort

Monday, April 15th | Application Deadline
Mid-May – Mid-June | Mentor-Mentee Matching & Intros
Monday, June 17 – Sunday, August 4th | Mentoring Program

 2024-25 School Year Cohort – Dates & times TBD.

We are here for you.
Reach out to get started!