Mentor Afghan Youth, Austin TX

Education:

Literacy / Library / ESL Social Services:
Refugee / Migration

We are seeking 55 mentors to connect with Afghan youths, ages 15-24 who need extra support academically, socially or emotionally. This is a hybrid opportunity with both in-person and online sessions.

Imagine leaving your cash-only village, where you grow your own food and can get a fifteen-cent haircut on the street corner, to start life in a city where almost everything requires card payment and every service requires an appointment. Afghan refugees arrive with limited English and are generally unprepared for our highly structured, fast-paced American lifestyle.

Mentors build confidence by spending time with their mentee and teaching life skills. Basic computer instruction, English conversation practice, and guidance on how to search online for entry-level jobs are all wonderful ways to share your time. Tutoring in English and Math will be important for younger people who are still in high school, preparing for important exams.

This is a very flexible opportunity, and anyone who has knowledge to share can mentor!

Mentorship Needs and Activity Examples

• Academic Tutoring
• English Conversation practice, in-person and online
• Computer Skills (Emails, Documents, Slides, Translation tools)
• College Application Prep:
  Prepping for TSI test, SAT test, applying at ACC
• Vocational schools - how to find and apply (Example: Skillpoint Alliance)
• Assistance looking for part-time jobs that work with a high school schedule
• How to use a public library - how to join, use public computers, print services, etc
• Public transportation instruction - Planning a trip and practice riding Cap Metro together (Example take the Pick Up service to the Kramer Metro station and ride to ACC Highland)

The commitment is ongoing from July to September 30, 2025. Please plan to meet with your mentee once in-person , at minimum, with a goal of three in-person meetings. A minimum of three online check-ins helps you stay connected.

• Six month commitment
• Six hours per month
• Provide 3 references
• Volunteer Background Check required
• Tx Dept Family Protective Svcs training required
• Get matched with Afghan youths ages 15-24
• Online and In-person Mentor Orientations available
• In-home visits and mentee transportation to/from outings, as necessary for activities

Mentors are a precious figure in a young person's life. Your gift of time and care helps young people gain the confidence they need to integrate and succeed. This age-group is often responsible for aiding their non-English speaking parents, so your mentorship could impact an entire family.