Mentored teens earn more — for life.
A 30-year longitudinal study found mentored youth earned 15% more from ages 20-25 and $56,000 more by retirement, with up to 2/3 of childhood-poverty income gaps erased.
Source: BBBSA / Afterschool Alliance, 2025Now forming our first cohort — Kingman, AZ
Hands-on skills. Strong character. Christ-centered hope for teens.
Mentoring 16-24 year-olds in Kingman, Arizona — through trades, creative work, entrepreneurship, and the gospel.
Why it matters
The work changes a teenager. The teenager changes a town.
Across decades of data, three patterns hold: mentorship pays for life, trades pay fast, and small businesses keep money close to home.
Apprenticeships pay — fast.
Annual earnings rise 49% after apprenticeship completion. Apprentices' wage growth is roughly 3× their non-apprentice peers'. Median earnings hit $80,700 one year out.
Source: White House CEA, 2024Small businesses build communities.
Small businesses produce 43.5% of U.S. GDP and 64% of new jobs. About 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community. Most owners are under 35.
Source: SBA Office of Advocacy, 2024Programs
Trades, creative work, and the habits that hold them up.
Each program runs as a small cohort. Real tools, real mentors, real things you take home and put on a resume.
Three ways to be part of this.
Whether you give, mentor, or send your teen — every door is open. Pick yours.