Mentoring is a core component of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). Each of our youth during their junior and senior years is paired with a mentor. This year, due to COVID-19, LiFEsports has transitioned to a group-based mentoring process to ensure virtual safety. YLA mentors meet monthly with their mentees through Zoom. Together they work on resumes, cover letters, college applications, and professionalism. But maybe the best part is they provide a steady guide for our youth as they navigate the process of growing up!
This year we are blessed to have four mentors working with our youth: Valerie Simon (top left), Lena Dwidari (bottom left), Michael Bach (top right) and Henderson Days (bottom right). Lena and Valerie are current OSU students majoring in social work and exploration studies respectively. Michael Bach is an Ohio State graduate, former camp staff member, and current Americorp member with City Year. And last, but certainly not least, Eddie Days is a former Ohio State basketball player who loves giving back to youth! You'll see him at almost all of our basketball programming throughout the year. Our mentors are extremely passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of their mentees. We are excited to watch as our mentors create a strong bond with their mentees.
