Together we rise

Building brighter futures through connections.

Reach & Rise® is an evidence-based mentoring program that matches adult volunteer mentors with youth in our community. Through this program, we seek to provide youth with caring adult mentors who will walk alongside them as both friends and role models.

Build together. Grow together.

Reach & Rise provides group therapeutic mentorship to youth (ages 6-17) who face challenges such as decline in mental health, low self-esteem, and family or peer conflict.

This program is designed to build a better future for youth by helping them reach their full potential through the support of caring adults in a small group setting.

2026 Sessions

Spring

Current spring sessions are held at these locations:

• Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School
• West Buncombe Elementary School
• West McDowell Middle School

Summer

Our summer session will run from June 15-July 20 for 12-15-year-olds. This session is located at YMCA Youth Services at Beaverdam. We are not recruiting mentors for summer sessions at this time. 

Fall

We will work with intermediate and middle school students in Buncombe and McDowell Counties this fall. Mentor applications are now open. Application deadline is July 31. The fall mentor training schedule is:

• Buncombe County (hosted at Reuter Family YMCA)
  • Wed., Aug. 12, 2–5 p.m. 
  • Wed., Aug. 19, 2–5 p.m. 
  • Sat., Aug. 22, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (online) 
  • Wed., Aug. 26, 2–5 p.m. 
  • Wed., Sept. 2, 2–5 p.m. 
• McDowell County (hosted at Corpening Memorial YMCA)
  • Thurs., Aug. 13, 3:30–6:30 p.m. 
  • Thurs., Aug. 20, 3:30–6:30 p.m. 
  • Sat., Aug. 22, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (online) 
  • Thurs., Aug. 27, 3:30–6:30 p.m. 
  • Thurs., Sept. 3, 3:30–6:30 p.m. 

Mentoring will begin after training and run weekly through mid-December 2026.

Inspire a future. Become a mentor.

By sharing your time and guidance, you can help your mentees express feelings, have a positive outlook for the future, become more confident, and improve at school. You'll learn how to be a positive role model and gain a better perspective of the pressures and challenges that youth face.

As a mentor, you can provide positive and consistent relationships with young people, helping to improve your mentees’ self-esteem, decision-making skills, school performance, and interpersonal relationships. 

You will co-lead a small group of 6-8 youth, share diverse experiences, develop a stronger sense of belonging within your community, and create lasting memories and fun times!

Learn more and apply to become a group mentor here. Check us out on WSPA promoting the benefits of the program.

Mentor Application Form