How long does it take to become a youth mentor in Boston?

Most programs require a background check (1–3 weeks) and a short orientation. After that you can be matched within a month.

Can I mentor in Boston if I'm only here for a semester?

Yes — 826 Boston, Bottom Line, and BUILD all accept semester-long commitments.

Do youth mentorship programs in Boston offer remote options?

Bottom Line and Big Brothers Big Sisters both offer virtual mentor matches.

Youth Mentorship in Boston: Where to Volunteer

Mentoring a young person in Boston is one of the most rewarding ways to give back — and the need is real. Thousands of K-12 students across BPS, Cambridge, and Somerville schools are waiting for a consistent adult who can help with reading, math, college prep, or just being someone who shows up. Whether you can commit to an hour a week or want to plug into a one-time event, there's a Boston youth mentorship program for you. Below are eight standout organizations, with what they do, where they meet, and what your role looks like. Once you've picked one, add yourself to the Rally waitlist — this fall, you'll be able to coordinate weekly mentor shifts with your friends and track your impact together.

organizations to volunteer with

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Boston-wide

Match with a 'Little' for community-based 1:1 mentoring. The most well-known mentorship program in the city, with a low time commitment (~2 outings/month).

2. Boston Partners in Education

Citywide BPS schools

Academic mentors support K-12 students during the school day in reading, math, or science. They place ~700 volunteers a year.

3. Citizen Schools

Dorchester, Roxbury

Lead a 10-week 'apprenticeship' teaching middle schoolers a skill you love — coding, photography, robotics, debate.

4. BUILD Boston

Dorchester / Roxbury

Coach high school students through launching their own startup. Great for business and CS majors at any Boston university.

5. 826 Boston

Roxbury

Drop-in tutoring at the Greatest Bar None storefront for grades 1–12, focused on creative writing. Flexible weekday afternoon and evening shifts.

6. Tenacity

Boston-wide

Mentors combine tennis and academic literacy programming for BPS middle schoolers. Especially fun if you played sports in high school.

7. Bottom Line

Roxbury / online

Counsel first-gen college-bound students through college applications and financial aid. Great fit for current college students.

8. Year Up

Fenway / Roxbury

Career mentors support young adults (18–24) breaking into corporate roles. Time commitment is one hour every other week.

coming fall 2025

find these on rally.

rally is a free iOS app that helps Gen Z Boston students discover volunteer events, sign up with friends, and track their impact — all in one place.

join the waitlist

how to get involved

pick an organization from the list above and head to their website to sign up directly. or, drop your email on the rally waitlist — this fall, you'll be able to find every event listed here in one app and invite your friends in a single tap.

keep exploring

city guide

all volunteer opportunities in Boston

Boston

food banks

Boston

animal shelters

frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a youth mentor in Boston?: Most programs require a background check (1–3 weeks) and a short orientation. After that you can be matched within a month.
Can I mentor in Boston if I'm only here for a semester?: Yes — 826 Boston, Bottom Line, and BUILD all accept semester-long commitments.
Do youth mentorship programs in Boston offer remote options?: Bottom Line and Big Brothers Big Sisters both offer virtual mentor matches.