About
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect young people with consistent, caring mentors and practical resources that help them succeed in school, explore careers, and grow into confident, capable leaders in their communities.
About
Our Vision
We envision a Minnesota where every student regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance, has the support, opportunities, and relationships they need to graduate, thrive, and pursue a future they are excited about.
Our Story
Minnesota Youth Mentors began in 2015 as a small after-school tutoring group at a single middle school in St. Paul. Our founder, Alexis Carter, was a classroom teacher who saw firsthand how many students were doing their best but still falling behind because they lacked consistent support outside the classroom.
What started as a few volunteers helping with homework quickly grew into a community effort. Families, teachers, and local professionals came together to provide mentorship, academic coaching, and exposure to real-world careers.
Today, Minnesota Youth Mentors partners with schools and community organizations across the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. While we’ve grown, our focus remains the same: show up for students consistently, listen to their goals, and walk alongside them as they build their futures.
Meet our team
Alexis Carter
Executive Director & Founder
Jordan Moore
Program Director
Maria Lopez
Community Engagement Coordinator
FAQs
Who does Minnesota Youth Mentors serve?
We primarily serve middle and high school students in Minnesota who can benefit from extra academic support, encouragement, and guidance as they plan for their futures. Students are referred by schools, community partners, and families, and we prioritize youth who have limited access to other resources or consistent adult support.
How are mentors matched with students?
We match mentors and students based on interests, availability, and program location. Our team reviews each application, meets with mentors, and works closely with school staff to make thoughtful, safe matches. Whenever possible, we aim to create long-term mentoring relationships so students can count on seeing the same caring adult over time.
Do mentors need prior teaching or tutoring experience?
No. We welcome mentors from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. We provide orientation and ongoing training on communication, boundaries, academic support, and youth development. What matters most is that mentors are reliable, willing to learn, and committed to showing up consistently for students.
How is Minnesota Youth Mentors funded?
Our work is supported through a mix of individual donations, foundation grants, and partnerships with local organizations. We keep our overhead low so that the majority of our funding goes directly into mentoring, academic support, and career readiness programs for students across the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.
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