This component is designed to provide mentors for youth that will help them be successful in school and life. The mentors will provide mentorship in school work as well as cultural knowledge. Many youth today don’t have positive role models or people that are willing to take time out of their day to mentor them. Through this program a child will be paired up with young adults who will guide them through their homework.

We will also use a peer-mentor model where youth mentor youth. We recognize that youth relate to and trust one another. The social and economic hardships that they face on a daily basis will only change when they help each other to collectively build the community that they want for their future. The peer-mentor program will give them a chance to start building trust and working together towards common goals.

We strongly believe that it’s not just homework and knowledge of western philosophy that are important in this mentorship program. As Lakota people we have cultural teachings and beliefs that we have used to battle oppression and survive as a people. These Lakota spiritual teachings will be an integral part of the mentoring program. With a balance of western education and Lakota spirituality, the youth participating in this program will have several tools to use as they develop into young leaders for their community.