Become a CRB Youth Mentor

Serving as a Community Reading Buddies mentor is a unique opportunity to make a measurable difference in a young student’s life and develop your own leadership and communication skills. Mentors receive considerable support from staff, Lead Mentors, and our digital literacy platform, BookNook, where Youth Mentors and their younger Buddies engage in literacy activities via online video conferencing or in-person sessions at local elementary schools.

Apply to be a CRB Mentor

Eligibility and Commitment

Requirements

• Be a 7th-12th grade student
• Attend two training sessions before you begin
• Commit to every Monday/Wednesday OR
Tuesday/Thursday for 9 weeks

Commitment

The minimum commitment is 3 hours per week for 9 weeks (1.5 hours per session, twice a week); however, you can volunteer in more than one session and gain more hours.

Typical Session Schedule

15 min — Power Up! Skill Building Mini-Session
45–60 min — Ready? Set. READ! One-on-one literacy activities with your Buddy
15 min — Wrap Up! Youth Mentor Debrief

The 9-week program includes virtual training sessions, an in-person program event, and Youth Mentor workshops!

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“Reading Buddies taught me patience and diplomacy. My buddies were super enthusiastic; however, they liked to try and be the leader and create a lesson plan for the day. I learned to find a middle ground between what they wanted to do and what the lead mentors and I wanted to do.”

-Giovanni, 11th Grade
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“Working with my Buddy gave me great insight into adapting to different social needs, setting boundaries, and providing motivation.”

– Noah, CRB Youth Mentor
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“I’ve grown as a mentor during this program because I learned how to engage with kids, and I really found a lot of love for it.”

– Andrea, CRB Youth Mentor
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“CRB helped me grow as a leader by strengthening my ability to communicate effectively, be patient, and adapt my approach to meet the diverse needs of each individual.”

– Samantha, CRB Youth Mentor
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“I enjoyed this program SO MUCH! My buddy was amazing and she always came with a smile and ready to read. She has definitely grown in comprehension and fluency, and can sound out bigger words that she struggled with before.”

– Matthew, CRB Youth Mentor

What Are the Benefits?

Learn and practice critical workplace readiness skills
Learn and practice early literacy and teaching skills
Develop and practice important social-emotional skills
Develop and practice leadership skills
Find inspiration for future careers
Network and learn from professional trainers
Build your résumé; gain experience to include on your college applications

Earn community service hours, a letter of recommendation and awards
Gain professional references for college apps or future employment
Earn hours for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). We are now a certifying organization!
Make new friends with Mentors from across the Bay!
Create fun relationships with Buddies and give back to your community by helping Buddies learn how to read!