About the Program
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Silver Spring is seeking dedicated volunteer mentors to support recently resettled youth, ages 15–24, living in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Mentors will work one-on-one with refugee youth to support their individual college, career, and post-secondary goals, covering topics such as college exploration, financial literacy, and personal goal setting. 

1. 9th–10th Grade Track (Ages 15–17):

  • Tuesdays, 4:45–6:00 PM · 10 sessions · October 6 – December 15, 2026 
  • Our shortest and most structured track. Mentees are freshmen and sophomores two to three years out from applying anywhere, so sessions focus on exploration: identifying interests and strengths, building study and self-advocacy habits, and getting a first look at college, trade school, and career paths. Many are also still building English proficiency and adjusting to the U.S. school system. 
  • Commitment: 10 sessions, about 12.5 hours over two and a half months. Fall only — no spring obligation. Best for mentors who are new to mentoring or want to start with a single semester. 

2. 11th–12th Grade Track (Ages 16–20) 

  • Wednesdays, 4:45–6:00 PM · 20 sessions · October 28, 2026 – May 5, 2027 
  • A longer, more goal-defined track that follows juniors and seniors through the full academic year toward graduation, marking the milestones along the way: fall for school research, applications, and personal statements; spring for FAFSA, scholarships, comparing offers, and transition planning. Mentees pursuing trade school, certificates, or employment follow the same arc through their own enrollment steps.
  • The schedule includes a built-in winter break. Sessions run October 28 – December 16, 2026, pause for roughly six weeks, then resume January 27 – May 5, 2027. No meetings are expected during the break. 
  • Commitment: 20 sessions, about 25 hours across six months — with a scheduled pause, not six months of uninterrupted weekly meetings. You're matched with the same mentee for both halves. Best for mentors who want to follow one student through a full year and see the outcome.

3. Out-of-School Track (Ages 19–24) 

  • Individualized schedule · 5–20 sessions · Begins October 28, 2026 
  • This is our most flexible track  — For young adults not enrolled in secondary school — many are working, supporting family, taking ESL classes, preparing for the GED, or exploring community college and workforce training. There's no fixed curriculum and no set meeting night: you and your mentee agree on a schedule around work shifts, childcare, and classes, then build a plan around the goal they name. Because those goals are self-determined and vary in length, some matches wrap up well before the year ends, so we ask that you commit to the full academic year rather than to a single mentee. When your mentee finishes their goal, staff will ask whether you'd like to be matched again or finish after that mentee — either answer is fine. 
  • Commitment: Full academic year, one or more mentees. Each match runs an estimated 5-20 sessions, roughly 6 to 25 hours, on a time you set with your mentee. This is the best options for mentors with open availability and those who are comfortable working without a set curriculum

Mentor Responsibilities:

  • Meet weekly with your assigned mentee(s) to guide goal-setting, track progress, and support next steps related to school, career, and post-secondary planning — including individualized goals for Out-of-School Track mentees, who may be working toward employment, ESL, or GED enrollment rather than a fixed curriculum.
  • Lead structured conversations and activities that encourage reflection, skill-building, and confidence development.
  • Share relevant resources, personal experiences, and strategies to help mentees navigate academic, career, and life decisions — including college exploration, financial literacy, FAFSA and scholarship steps, and trade school or certificate program options where relevant to your mentee's track.
  • Communicate consistently with program staff regarding attendance, scheduling changes, and mentee progress to support smooth program implementation.
  • Commit to the full length of your assigned track
  • Attend optional field trips when possible, and give program staff early notice if you're unable to.


Mentor Requirements:

  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Volunteer must read and sign the IRC Volunteer Agreement, acknowledging understanding of and agreement to follow all safeguarding guidelines and organizational policies.
  • Volunteers must pass a background check in order to work with youth. 
  • Volunteers must participate in mentorship program training to stay informed and aligned with program goals.

How to Apply:

Apply for this opportunity here before September 22nd to be considered. The 9th-10th Mentorship track begins on October 6th. The 11th-12th and Out-of-School Mentorship tracks begin on October 28th.