Careers, Jobs, and Volunteering, Community, Youth

Youth Mentoring Programs

A group of children outdoors stand around a container of vegetables, raising their hands and smiling at the camera.

A group of children and adults play an outdoor lawn game on grass, with some wearing masks; a white van and trees are in the background.

A teacher and a student, both wearing masks, sit at a table working on a worksheet together in a classroom with snacks and school supplies on the table.

Three children wearing masks read the book

A group of people, including children and adults, wearing masks, kneel and work with soil inside a fenced garden area.

The City of Rockville offers two youth mentoring programs, ROCKIDZ and 2HYPE. Both programs run during the school year from October to June, and mentors meet with students weekly for one-hour sessions. In addition, both programs host a five-week summer camp that includes enrichment and recreation.

ROCKIDZ Mentoring Program

The ROCKIDZ Mentoring Program provides encouragement and supportive opportunities for our young community members by helping them grow, learn, and build character. Our trained mentors develop meaningful relationships through one-on-one interactions while leading academic and recreational activities. Mentors help kids set goals, foster growth, and serve as a knowledge source.

Mentors meet with students twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one-hour sessions to help with homework, practice academic skills, and encourage learning in a fun, relaxed way. Just as important, mentors provide social and emotional support – listening, guiding, and cheering kids on as they build confidence and discover their strengths. It’s a chance for children to connect with a positive role model, get a boost in school, and grow in ways that will help them both inside and outside the classroom.

Each ROCKIDZ session is structured to keep kids energized, learning, and having fun:

Healthy Snack: Kids refuel with a nutritious snack.
Hands-On Learning: Mentors use interactive activities and models to build math and reading skills.
Recreation and Bonding: Mentors and students enjoy fun activities together, building friendships and confidence.

2HYPE Mentoring Program

The 2HYPE Mentoring Program provides school-based group mentoring through sports at the middle school level. Students are self-referred or referred by a school counselor or administrator. Students who may not be confident in playing a sport are able to gain confidence through this program, which then serves them in other areas of their lives.

Become a Mentor

Mentors are compassionate volunteers who offer support and encouragement to children so they can reach their full potential. The individualized attention can be a powerful tool for helping kids succeed in life. Join us today and make a positive impact on a young person’s life! Student Service Learning (SSL) hours are available for student volunteers.

Helping children academically and emphasizing the importance of education.
Promoting a healthy relationship with an adult in an academic setting.
Improving communication and problem-solving skills.
Promoting healthy self-esteem.

Meeting with students at a set location for one hour once a week. Meetings will take place at the same day and time each week.
Providing academic and social support for school-aged children.
Following the program structure.

Mentors must like children and be patient, kind, responsible, consistent, and respectful.
Mentors must commit to meeting weekly for one-hour sessions from October to June. Mentors may also meet more often, if they so choose.
Mentors 18 and older will be required to complete a background check and Montgomery County Public Schools child neglect and abuse online training.

To become a mentor, email a completed application to Cecil Rucker at crucker@rockvillemd.gov.

Mentor Application for Adult Volunteers

Mentor Application for Student Volunteers