One man shows up. One kid's future changes. Research confirms it. 14 youth are waiting right now for a mentor who hasn't found us yet.
Youth with a consistent mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in college, significantly less likely to be involved in violence, and measurably more likely to maintain stable employment as adults. That's not a statistic. That's a life.
The Big Wheel Mentorship Program is a formal, screened matching program connecting vetted adult mentors with at-risk youth in Akron's most underserved neighborhoods. Every match is intentional, supported, and structured for real outcomes.
We are not a drop-in center. We are a commitment-based program that asks mentors to show up consistently for a minimum of 12 months — because consistency is the entire intervention. Research consistently shows that it is the reliability of the adult relationship, not the activities, that produces lasting change.
Apply to Mentor ✦We take the safety and effectiveness of our program seriously. Here is what every Big Wheel mentor must commit to:
Our mentees are youth between the ages of 8–18 in Akron's highest-need neighborhoods. They are referred through schools, churches, community organizations, and self-referral by families.
Right now, 14 youth in Akron are ready for a mentor. They've been approved, interviewed, and are waiting for an adult to commit to their growth. That adult could be you.