About the Program
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Silver Spring is seeking dedicated volunteer mentors to work one-on-one with high school or out-of-school youth. Mentors will meet with youth weekly over 10–12 weeks, helping them explore college and career options, build life skills, practice English, and work toward personal goals. Volunteers can choose from the following opportunities:

1. High School Track (Ages 15–18):

  •  Virtual meetings on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 5:00–6:15 PM (10 weeks)

2. Out-of-School Track (Ages 19–24):

  • Flexible scheduling, primarily in-person, Monday–Friday (10–12 weeks)

Mentor Expectations:

  • Meet weekly with assigned mentees to support goal-setting, track progress, and guide next steps in school, career, or post-secondary planning
  • Share resources, personal experiences, and strategies to help mentees navigate academic, career, and life decisions
  • Attend all sessions or notify staff if unable to attend
  • Optional participation in 1–3 field trips in the DMV area


Mentor Requirements:

  • Must be 18+
  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Complete orientation and cultural sensitivity training
  • Conduct yourself in a reliable, empathetic, and culturally respectful manner 

Key Support Areas
Volunteers may assist youth in the following areas:

  • College & Financial Aid: Supporting college applications, FAFSA, and scholarships
  • Career Exploration: Guiding students to explore jobs, training, internships, or apprenticeships
  • Academic Skill Building: Developing time management, goal setting, communication, and digital literacy
  • Understanding School & Work Culture: Discussing expectations in U.S. schools and workplaces
  • Goal Setting & Mentorship: Helping youth set and achieve academic or career goals
  • Resource Navigation: Connecting youth to ESL classes, test prep, and local opportunities
     

Desired Qualities

  • Culturally respectful and globally minded
  • Flexible, patient, and empathetic
  • Passionate about supporting youth success
  • Familiar with college and vocational pathways
  • Knowledgeable about the U.S. education system and financial aid
  • Comfortable using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, virtual learning platforms, and tools like Google Translate

Bonus Skills:

  • Multilingual abilities, especially in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French, or Haitian Creole

How to Apply:

Volunteers can apply for this opportunity here. Volunteers must also attend an IRC Volunteer Orientation which they can register for here. This opportunity begins on March 3rd.