I wouldn’t be who I am today without LDS
Edward shares his story as a recent graduate of RISE TEAM. He previously received one-to-one specialized support and just completed a paid work experience to help prepare him for his future.
Learn MoreTeen Mentorship
Do you know a teen with a learning difference who wants to enter the workforce but needs support and guidance to get there?
Who
Secondary students or young adults with learning differences, ages 15-21, who are looking for graduation and workforce transition support are welcome to apply to the program.
Where
Aessions are offered in-person or online via our interactive learning platform.
In-person sessions are available at our East Vancouver Learning Centre or in our North Vancouver Learning Centre.
When
Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis on student and instructor availability. The length of the program is dependent on the needs of the individual student and is identified during the intake process.
Intake is rolling, so please apply now!
Program Description
Teen Mentorship is specifically designed for teen students. It includes one-to-one explicit academic and workplace skills-based instruction to focus on the teen’s needs, interests, and abilities. The program includes a practical, paid work experience opportunity at LDS and is tailored to the individual student to meet their pre-employment skills and training needs.
Participants are paired with a specialized instructor who works with them to develop manageable and timely goals that can be met during the program, including:
- Identifying areas of skill and interest related to employment.
- Learning how to search and apply for jobs.
- Creating and tailoring resumes and cover letters for job applications.
- Interviewing skills and professional communication.
- Learning workplace expectations.
- Time management and financial literacy.
Participants complete eight weekly one-to-one sessions with their instructor to develop and meet their program goals. Participants will also complete a concurrent, paid work experience at LDS, where they learn to apply the skills they learned in their one-to-one sessions.
Apply Now
Program Highlights
Teen Mentorship offers one-to-one instruction and support in the following areas:
- Development of employment documents (resume, cover letters).
- Identifying, applying to, and interviewing for employment opportunities.
- Communication skills.
- Time management and financial literacy.
- Mentorship and leadership training.
- Paid work experience opportunity.
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2024-25 Fees
Teen Mentorship is $98 an hour.
You can use our sliding scale for fees if your household income is $160,000 or less. Our sliding scale is made possible by a) families applying for external support from third-party funders and b) support from LDS’ charitable bursary fund.
When to expect a placement offer
After applying for Teen Mentorship, you schedule an appointment with one of our team members. We will learn about your teen’s learning needs and goals at this appointment and discuss fees and funding.
Learn More About Teen Mentorship
As part of the program, participants will also have the opportunity to apply and interview for a job at LDS, as part of building their employability skills. All participants will receive coaching and mentorship on all aspects of the application and interview process, and will have the opportunity to participate in a paid work experience at LDS as a Learning Centre Assistant or Program Assistant depending on their skill and interest. Paid work placements include 24 paid hours of work across 4-8 weeks that work around student school and extra curricular schedules.
Teen Mentorship Resources
Catching Up with Hallie, a RISE TEAM Graduate
It’s been three months since Hallie, a 16-year-old high-school student from Fawkes Academy in Burnaby, was last at our East Vancouver Learning Centre, and a lot has happened since then. She is one of two RISE TEAM participants who, after having volunteered as junior leaders, were offered employment as Learning Centre Assistants last Fall. Hallie additionally had the opportunity to be part of the Early RISErs team as a Program Assistant. Working between 5-15 hours a week, she not only honed her professional skills but also worked on her interpersonal and social media skills and built confidence
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RISE TEAM: LDS’ Pre-employment program success!
The LDS mission is to empower all children with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong confidence and success. One way we do this is by helping teens with learning differences increase their graduation rates, skills, and work opportunities through our RISE TEAM program.
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Become a Donor
We are grateful for the generous donors who are making a difference in the lives of children across BC.
If you would like to contribute to our bursary fund, please consider making a monthly or one time donation.
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RISE One-to-One Instruction
Our comprehensive learning support is personalized to meet each student’s learning goals. Get support in foundational skills – literacy and/or math and school skills – executive function, self-regulation for learning, studying, homework and coursework.
- Ages
- 5 – 18
- Where
- East Vancouver & North Vancouver Learning Centres, online, on LDS Access, or at schools
- Dates/Times
- Monday to Friday 9 am – 7 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 4 pm
Closed
Academic Intensive
Our Academic Intensive offers students intensive, individualized learning support to build foundational academic skills in literacy and math.
- Grades
- 8 – 12
- Where
- East Vancouver Learning Centre
- Dates/Times
- July: Monday July 8 – Thursday July 25 / August: Tuesday August 6th – Thursday August 22nd
Thank you to our donors
Our donors play a vital role in sustaining our programming. We are so grateful for their continued support of children and youth in our community with learning differences.