Partner

Youth Court Business Partner Mentoring Program

Youth Court business partners are businesses within the Blount County community who provide job shadowing and mentorship for the kids and teens that Youth Court serves. Studies show job shadowing motivates youth to focus on their future and increases motivation to do well in school. In fact, the Journal of Youth Adolescence found that youth who have future goals and plans are less likely to participate in delinquent behavior.

How Can Your Business Benefit from Partnering with Youth Court?

 

  • As mentors, you or your business’s team members will serve as positive role models providing guidance and support, which can help these young people overcome challenges, build resilience and reach their full potential.
  • Mentoring youth can provide business teams with opportunities to develop leadership skills, enhance teamwork and communication, and contribute to the community, which can improve job satisfaction and overall productivity.
  • Job shadowing opportunities for youth can help teams promote diversity and inclusion, and it contributes to the development of a skilled and qualified future workforce in the community.

 

Requirements:

  • The business must be located in Blount County and have a brick-and-mortar office or location (remote work is excluded)
  • The team members participating in the mentorship program must commit to providing 12 hours of job shadowing or relationship-building within a 1-month time frame
  • The mentors will need to pass a background check
  • The kids or teens participating in the program should be given interesting, relevant work or shadowing opportunities that align with their interests. For example, the youth participants should not be used only to run errands, get coffee, etc..

 

How to Get Started:

  1. Complete the Youth Court Business Partner Mentoring Program Application here: (link)
  2. A background check will be performed on your business’s mentors.
  3. Then, it’s time to get started! You’ll be assigned a child or teen and on your way to inspiring youth in our community to think towards future careers while decreasing recidivism and crime.

 

For questions related to this program, please contact:

Lynn Peterson
lpeterson@lewisthomason.com
865-207-2820