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Volunteer Mentor Application

We invite DEC Young Leaders to serve on a YL Volunteer Mentor team for the 2026-2027 Career Readiness Academy (CRA). CRA is a tremendous way to mentor local high school students in career exploration!

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out the interest form. We are confident the experience will be rewarding.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Questions? Reach out to the DEC for more information.

Please note you are not confirmed until you hear back directly from the Detroit Economic Club.

How Does the Program Work?

CRA is designed to teach career readiness skills to high school students throughout S.E. Michigan. During this journey, the same team of Young Leaders and students connect to explore topics like future hot jobs, career economics, networking & interview skills, and how to market yourself. This experience not only provides the opportunity for more personalized attention throughout sessions but also forges important mentor-mentee relationships.

How Do I Get Assigned to a School/Team?

The DEC will best match you to a school based on a variety of factors (i.e., profession, city, volunteer need, etc.). Sessions are typically 1.5 hours around lunchtime on Fridays.

Commitment Expectations:

• Attend a mandatory volunteer mentor orientation on Thursday, November 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Detroit.
• Participate in prep calls with your YL volunteer team before each session to review the curriculum and prepare for upcoming sessions.
• Attend eight (8) sessions held either at the high school or at a field trip location.
• Sessions are held between December and May.
• Maintain an active DEC Young Leader membership.

Do you want to be a Team Captain?

Captain Expectations:

• Serve as the liaison between the DEC, school, and volunteer mentor team.
• Attend mandatory school orientation on Monday, November 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Southfield.
• Attend mandatory volunteer mentor orientation on Thursday, November 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Detroit.
• Participate in captain calls before each session to review the curriculum and prepare for upcoming sessions.
• Lead prep calls with your YL volunteer team before each session to review the curriculum and prepare for upcoming sessions.
• Attend eight (8) sessions held either at the high school or at a field trip location. Sessions are held between December and May.
• Maintain an active DEC Young Leader membership.