A cornerstone of our community outreach is a commitment to provide children and youth with dedicated mentors who are there for them every step of the way.

Trained Children’s Aid life coaches, social workers, college advisors, and everyday staff all guide youth to make healthy, positive choices geared toward long-term success. We also offer targeted programs that go the extra mile to surround children facing greater challenges with mentors who will make a positive and lasting difference in their lives.

African American Male Initiative (AAMI)

AAMI is a comprehensive, evidence-based intervention for African American and Latino middle and high school students in Harlem and the Bronx to improve the educational, health, and social outcomes for young men of color. The program has a remarkable track record of ensuring that all program participants are college and career ready.

Through a variety of activities, including weekly rap groups and overnight retreats, life coaches build longstanding relationships with students to help them strengthen their communication and interpersonal skills and establish a firm sense of identity and self-esteem.

Success Mentors

The Success Mentors model is a powerful strategy used in community schools to pair authority figures with students—especially those who struggle with regular attendance—to create accountability relationships.

Anyone in the school environment can be a Success Mentor—security guards, custodians, coaches, teachers, administrative professionals, and of course Children’s Aid staff. Each adult becomes invested in the success of students. Mentors work with attendance teams to create a welcoming school environment for children and combat the effects of chronic absenteeism, because improved attendance will lead to academic achievement.