Community-Based Mentoring in Milwaukee, WI
One trusted adult. A few hours a month. A young person's whole trajectory — changed. Our Community-Based Program pairs Milwaukee youth ages 6–22 with carefully matched adult mentors who meet them right where they live, learn and play.
Mentorship that meets youth on their block.
Unite the Block Corp's Community-Based Mentoring Program is a one-to-one match between an adult volunteer ("Mentor") and a young person ("Mentee") ages 6 through 22 living in the City of Milwaukee. Matches commit to spending 4–8 hours together each month for a minimum of one year — going out into the community, building a real friendship, and exploring what Milwaukee has to offer.
Unlike school-based programs, community-based matches choose what to do together. That might be tossing a ball at Sherman Park, picking out books at Mitchell Street Library, a free Saturday at the Milwaukee Public Museum, lunch at a local diner, a Bucks watch-party, or just hanging out and talking. The activity is never the point — the relationship is.
How the match works
- 1
Apply
Tell us about yourself and your interests. Mentors must be 18+ and willing to commit to one year.
- 2
Screen & Train
Background check, references, an in-person interview, and mentor orientation — at no cost to you.
- 3
Get Matched
Our Match Specialist pairs you with a Milwaukee youth based on personality, interests, geography and family preference.
- 4
Show Up
Meet 2–4 times per month for at least one year. A Match Specialist supports you every step of the way.
For Milwaukee youth, ages 6–22
We serve young people from across Milwaukee's neighborhoods — Sherman Park, Harambee, Lindsay Heights, Metcalfe Park, Bronzeville, the North Side and beyond. Youth are referred by families, schools, or themselves. There is no cost to families to participate.
- ✓ Free for families
- ✓ Parent/guardian involvement throughout
- ✓ Ongoing support from a Match Specialist
- ✓ Free monthly Match Activities for the whole family
For mentors, ages 18 and up
You don't need a degree, a perfect record, or a hero's resume. You need a few hours a month and the willingness to show up consistently. We provide the training, the activity ideas, the free tickets and the coaching.
- ✓ 18+ to apply
- ✓ One-year minimum commitment
- ✓ Reliable transportation
- ✓ Pass background check & interview
Why mentoring matters in Milwaukee
Milwaukee youth face real barriers — and they also carry extraordinary promise. Research shows young people with a consistent adult mentor are more likely to graduate, less likely to skip school, and report stronger confidence and hope for the future. One block, one match, one young person at a time, we're uniting our city.
Ready to unite the block?
Start your mentor application today, or reach out with questions.