Building School Connections: Mentors actively work to bridge the gap between students and schools, helping students navigate enrollment processes, understand school expectations, and build relationships with teachers and school staff. We help students feel more engaged and invested in their educational experience.

Navigating Educational Pathways: For students exploring alternative education options or post-secondary pathways, mentors provide guidance on the variety of available opportunities, including vocational training, college, apprenticeships, and internships. We support students in making informed decisions about their educational futures.

FAFSA Assistance: Navigating the financial aid process can be overwhelming, which is why we offer hands-on help with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), ensuring students secure the financial support they need to pursue higher education.

Alternative Education Enrollment: For students who are not currently enrolled in a traditional school, we assist with identifying and enrolling in alternative education options. Whether it’s through charter schools, online programs, or other non-traditional pathways, we ensure that students can continue their education in a setting that suits their learning style and circumstances.

Scholarship Support: Securing funding for higher education can be a daunting task. We help students identify and apply for relevant scholarships, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to attend college, vocational programs, or other post-secondary opportunities.

Homework Assistance: We provide ongoing homework help to ensure students stay on track with their studies and feel supported in completing assignments.

Test Preparation: We offer targeted test prep support, helping students prepare for standardized tests, college entrance exams, or state-mandated assessments.

Resume Building and Interview Skills: Students receive personalized assistance with creating a standout resume, highlighting their skills, experiences, and achievements. We also offer mock interview sessions to help students practice answering common interview questions, build confidence, and learn professional interview etiquette.

Workplace Etiquette and Communication: We teach essential workplace soft skills, such as professional communication, time management, and conflict resolution. Through role-playing scenarios and real-world examples, students learn how to interact effectively with employers, colleagues, and clients.

Job Search Strategies: Our program provides guidance on effective job search techniques, including how to research job opportunities, leverage online job boards, and use networking to find career openings. We also assist with cover letter writing and understanding job descriptions to ensure students can apply confidently.

Career Panels and Guest Speakers: We invite professionals from diverse fields to share their career journeys, offer advice, and provide insights into different industries. These panels give students a chance to ask questions, network with professionals, and explore career options they might not have considered before.

Internships and Apprenticeships: We facilitate internship and apprenticeship opportunities with local businesses and organizations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and develop professional skills in a real-world environment. These experiences help build students' resumes, expand their networks, and provide valuable insights into potential career paths.

Financial Literacy: We offer workshops on budgeting, saving, and managing finances to ensure students are prepared for the financial responsibilities that come with employment. These workshops help students understand how to manage their income, build credit, and plan for the future.

Job Retention and Career Advancement: We also provide ongoing support to help students succeed and grow in their careers. Topics include professional development, advancing in the workplace, and work-life balance strategies to help students transition from entry-level positions to higher roles over time.

Building Trust and Connection: Mentors serve as consistent, trusted advisors who provide emotional support, academic guidance, and practical advice. These check-ins foster a strong relationship where students feel comfortable sharing their struggles and successes, knowing they have a reliable mentor to turn to.

Personalized Academic Support: Mentors take an active role in helping students navigate their academic paths. Whether it's discussing study habits, helping students stay organized, or strategizing ways to overcome academic challenges, mentors tailor their guidance to each student's individual needs and aspirations.

Regular Follow-Ups: Mentors follow up on previously set goals, discuss ongoing challenges, and set new objectives. This consistent support helps students stay focused, maintain accountability, and track their progress over time, ensuring they feel motivated and supported throughout their educational journey.

Exposure to Diverse Learning Opportunities: TCG events and workshops cover a wide range of topics—from leadership development and career readiness to life skills and personal wellness. By attending these events, students gain exposure to new perspectives, develop valuable skills, and have the opportunity to connect with their peers in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Building Peer Relationships: Our events and workshops provide students with the chance to interact with other youth who share similar challenges and aspirations. These interactions foster a sense of community, reduce isolation, and allow for the development of positive peer relationships, which can be essential for students’ personal growth and social development.

Professional and Social Networking: TCG events often feature guest speakers, career professionals, and community leaders, providing students with valuable networking opportunities. These events also help build social confidence and expand students' understanding of various career fields, inspiring them to set ambitious goals for their future.

School Enrollment and Transitions: For students transitioning from one school to another or those seeking alternative education options, mentors provide practical guidance on the enrollment process. They assist with understanding school requirements, finding appropriate resources, and advocating for students’ needs to ensure they have access to the support systems required for success.

Academic Advocacy: Mentors work to create strong connections between students and their schools, ensuring that students are engaged with their education. This can involve meeting with school counselors, reaching out to teachers for academic updates, or connecting students with tutoring or special education services as needed. We also help students build relationships with key school staff, fostering a positive and supportive school environment.

Exploring Educational Pathways: Mentors also help students explore various educational opportunities, including vocational programs, alternative education options, and higher education pathways like college and technical schools. This guidance helps students make informed decisions about their future and find the educational paths that best align with their goals.

Academic and Personal Growth Assessments: We use both self-assessments and mentor-led evaluations to track students’ academic progress and personal development. This includes monitoring improvements in grades, test scores, and study habits, as well as tracking emotional growth, leadership development, and social skills. These assessments are tailored to each student’s unique goals and needs.

Goal Setting and Reflection: Regular assessments allow mentors and mentees to reflect on the progress made toward previously set goals, and to adjust those goals as necessary. This reflective process helps students understand their own growth and motivates them to continue striving for improvement.

Feedback Loop: Mentors also receive feedback from schools, teachers, and parents (where applicable) to get a holistic view of the student’s progress. This comprehensive feedback loop ensures that we are addressing any challenges early and providing the appropriate support to keep students on track.

Food Assistance: We provide food support to students who may be experiencing food insecurity. By offering nutritious snacks, meals, and food vouchers, we ensure that students have the energy and nutrition they need to succeed academically.

Transportation Assistance: For many youth, reliable transportation is a significant barrier to attending school regularly or participating in after-school programs. We provide linkages to transportation cards or bus passes to ensure students can get to and from school, extracurricular activities, or mentoring sessions without financial worry.

Essential Documentation: Students who need critical documents, such as a birth certificate or identification card, can face delays and roadblocks that hinder their ability to access education or employment opportunities. We assist with ID and birth certificate waivers, helping students obtain the necessary documentation they need for educational enrollment, job applications, and other important processes.

Hygiene Packs and Haircuts: We offer hygiene packs, which include essential personal care items and access to free onsite laundry to students who may not have access to these resources. Maintaining personal hygiene and appearance can greatly impact a student’s confidence and readiness to engage in school and other social settings.

Team-Building Activities: Through group-based challenges and collaborative exercises, field trips provide an opportunity for youth and young adults to practice teamwork and problem-solving skills in real-world settings. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a visit to a museum, or a community service project, students work together to achieve common goals, strengthening their sense of unity and collaboration.

Building Trust: For many youth, especially those who may have experienced instability or hardship, building trust with peers and mentors is a gradual process. Field trips create relaxed, informal environments where students can engage with others outside of the traditional school or mentoring setting. These shared experiences help break down social barriers, encourage positive peer interactions, and foster a sense of belonging within the group.

Exploration and Exposure: Field trips expose youth to new ideas, environments, and experiences, whether they’re visiting a local cultural landmark, attending a live performance, or participating in a hands-on activity like a science experiment or outdoor excursion. These opportunities broaden their horizons, stimulate curiosity, and inspire future aspirations by showing them what is possible beyond their current circumstances.

Strengthening Peer Relationships: By engaging in shared experiences outside of a classroom or structured setting, students have the chance to develop friendships and peer relationships that can last well beyond the trip itself. These relationships provide a strong support network, fostering a sense of community and belonging that is crucial for personal growth and emotional well-being.

Leadership Skill-Building: Leadership workshops provide youth with the opportunity to cultivate essential leadership traits such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and self-confidence. Through interactive activities, role-playing, and group discussions, students learn how to step into leadership roles in both academic and extracurricular settings. We focus on developing leadership styles that are inclusive, empathetic, and collaborative, ensuring that participants understand the importance of leading with integrity and respect for others.

Career Exploration and Goal Setting: These workshops also help students explore potential career paths, identify their interests, and set realistic goals for their future. Youth are encouraged to consider a wide range of career options—whether that’s through college programs, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce—and to map out steps they can take now to start working toward their professional goals. The workshops also provide opportunities for students to connect with professionals from various industries, who can offer guidance, share career insights, and act as mentors.

Soft Skills for Career Success: In addition to technical skills and knowledge, we focus on developing the soft skills that are essential in any career. Workshops cover topics such as workplace etiquette, time management, professional communication, and conflict management. By equipping students with these foundational skills, we prepare them for success in the workplace, ensuring they are not only capable but also well-rounded individuals who can thrive in any environment.

Resume Writing and Interview Techniques: To help students prepare for employment or internships, we conduct workshops on resume writing, job applications, and interview techniques. These sessions provide students with practical skills for entering the workforce, giving them the confidence to showcase their abilities and experiences in a professional manner.

Self-Discovery: Through leadership activities, youth gain a better understanding of their strengths, values, and aspirations. They are encouraged to reflect on their personal journeys, identify their passions, and consider how they can use their unique skills to make a positive impact in their communities and future careers.

Increased Confidence: Exposure to new experiences, successful collaboration with peers, and the development of leadership skills all contribute to greater self-confidence. As youth face new challenges and overcome obstacles during field trips and workshops, they begin to believe in their own potential and capabilities, which builds a foundation for success in all areas of their lives.

Resilience and Empowerment: The experiences provided by our field trips and workshops help youth develop the resilience needed to overcome setbacks and challenges. By stepping into leadership roles and engaging in activities that stretch their boundaries, they learn that they are capable of achieving their goals, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter.

Peer Support Network: By participating in field trips and workshops, youth form meaningful connections with one another. These peer relationships become a vital support network, offering mutual encouragement, advice, and shared experiences. As they move through life’s transitions, these connections provide a sense of belonging and comfort.

Mentorship and Guidance: Throughout the workshops and field trips, mentors are present to offer guidance, share wisdom, and provide a steady source of support. Mentors not only help youth with practical matters related to their education and career, but also serve as role models and sounding boards for personal challenges. This supportive, one-on-one guidance plays a crucial role in helping youth feel empowered and confident as they face life’s challenges.

Creating a Sense of Belonging: These activities help youth develop a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. They become part of a community of like-minded individuals who share common goals and aspirations. This sense of connection is crucial as youth transition into adulthood, as it provides them with a solid foundation of support and reassurance during this time of change.

Polo's Pantry

Pomona Unified School District

School for Extended Education Options (SEEO)