Building Leaders who build Leaders
The Mentored become the Mentors
The students who once received mentorship are now learning to become mentors themselves. High school students in our Promise Neighborhoods do not just participate in iLEAD. They help lead it. Through iLEAD, MentorKids students in 9th–12th grade grow as leaders in their own lives, families, and communities while serving younger students in the very neighborhoods where they live and learn.
iLEADers are hired as part-time employees and work alongside MentorKids staff in the classroom, helping with homework, mentoring younger students, supporting activities, and building trusted relationships with the kids who look up to them. Along the way, they receive practical job experience, leadership development, spiritual formation, life skills training, and continued support as they prepare for graduation and life beyond high school.
This is where the MentorKids model comes full circle: students are not only supported. They are equipped to lead.
We think our iLEADers are exceptional young people, and we would love for you to meet a few of them.
Meet some of our newest iLEADers from the Palomino Promise Neighborhood!“It makes you feel good to help the younger kids find a good path and learn to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.”
Leo, 11th grade
On-the-Job Training
Tiers 1 and 2
The iLEAD program is divided into four tiers, and students must successfully complete their assignments and pass their performance reviews to advance to the next tier. Tier 1 and Tier 2 are designed for the freshman and sophomore years, but every student will begin at Tier 1 regardless of their grade level or age.
To be admitted to Tier 1, an iLEADer must go through an interview process as they would with any job and not everyone is accepted into the program. The students are coached throughout the interview and onboarding experience, giving them real-life experience in getting a job. The practical coaching continues through Tier 1 and 2 through informal feedback and formal performance reviews conducted by their Program Coordinator and Lead Teachers.
Other aspects of the iLEAD program include continued academic support includes tutoring, one-on-one and group mentoring, advanced leadership and life skills training, and assistance in navigating college/trade-school admissions and scholarship opportunities and creating a plan for their post-high school life.
Clean-up Project in South Phoenix
iLEAD session in Palomino
iLEAD End of Summer Party - Job Well Done!
“When I think of Mr. John, he’s kind, nice, generous, and he basically presents himself well, like, he’s a great role model.”
D’Angelo, 4th Grade
Community Connection
Tiers 3 and 4
Once an iLEADer has successfully completed Tiers 1 and 2, they are ready to move into the next phase which focuses on placing an iLEADer in a job with one of our Community Partners. These partnerships are forged with local businesses that understand our mission and appreciate the leadership skills that iLEADers have learned and practiced through Tier 1 and 2. This is a win-win-win partnership: iLEADers get to grow their resume and earn more money, local businesses get motivated employees who know what it takes to succeed at a job, and we get to continue mentoring and building into the lives of our iLEADers through regular sessions.
An important part of what happens in iLEAD sessions in the third and fourth-tier is planning for the future. Their assignments during this period will include identifying their post-graduate goals and planning to achieve them. For college-bound students, we help them navigate the college selection, application, and financial aid process. If a student is more interested in trade school or going directly into the workforce, we help them plan accordingly. Whether a student attends college or a trade school after graduation, there is scholarship money available to them , thanks to a few generous donors.
The power of our investment in the lives of our iLEADers is demonstrated in this video of a former iLEADer, John Smith, who was hired to become an Assistant Teacher in our South Phoenix Promise Neighborhood. John told his story at our 2021 Annual Breakfast Event.
Help Build the Next Generation of Leaders
iLEAD grows through students, mentors, families, and partners who believe leadership is formed through opportunity, responsibility, and trusted relationships.
Mentor
Teach what you know and share what you’ve learned. Everyday skills can help students grow in confidence, leadership, and readiness for life beyond high school.
Partner
Local businesses and community partners help iLEADers gain real-world experience, life skills, and vision for what comes next.
Give
Help students grow into mentors and leaders through trusted relationships, practical life skills, and opportunities that open the door to what comes next.
Looking to enroll a student? Start the registration process here.
¿Quiere inscribir a un estudiante? Empiece el proceso de registro aquí.