True stories, Real people: Illustrated animations to ensure confidentiality.

Mike has been a dedicated In-School Mentor for the past eight years, and his current match has been going strong for several of those. He first joined the program after recognizing a real need in his community and wanting to be part of something meaningful. Since then, it’s been a rewarding and fulfilling experience—one that has led to a strong bond between him and his mentee.

Their weekly meetups are filled with Lego, toy cars, games, and conversations about school and life at home. Recently, they spent time practicing volleyball together after his mentee decided to try out for the school team. Moments like that highlight the value of showing up—both for fun and for support.

Mike has seen first-hand how mentorship can help a young person grow in confidence and openness. He values the In-School Mentoring program not just for what it offers youth, but also because it allows caring adults to make a big impact with a small weekly commitment. For him, being there consistently and sharing simple moments has made all the difference.