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Early Intervention and Mentoring Program - Bolder Options

2830 18th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Eligibility
  • Youth ages 10 - 14 referred by schools, probation agencies, and social workers within Hennepin, Ramsey, and Olmsted counties. Only accepts referrals from providers who have met with their youth and have determined that the youth is a good fit for the program.
  • Youth must live in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or Rochester
  • Truant and diverted youth are prioritized
  • Youth who have committed a violent offense are not eligible for the program
Required documents
Referral form, grades and attendance reports
Hours
9 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 2 pm on Fridays some evening and weekend hours
Languages
Spanish
Interpretation services
Interpreters available
Application process
  • Call; referral or recommendation forms are required; email; visit website
  • Youth are referred by social workers and counselors. Call the Program Director for space availability, and to request additional information. Program does not accept direct parent/caregiver referrals for youth. Referrals MUST come from a third party.
  • Volunteer mentors are screened and attend an orientation and training session, as well as ongoing trainings
Service area
Golden Valley, MN Minneapolis, MN Richfield, MN Robbinsdale, MN Saint Louis Park, MN Rochester, MN Saint Paul, MN

Other Information

Program Fees

  • No Fee

Hours of Operation

  • Open Weekday Evenings After 5 pm
  • Open Saturday or Sunday

Languages

  • Spanish
An activity-based mentoring program that matches at-promise youth with volunteer adult mentors who participate together in goal-centered, one-on-one relationships.
  • Youth are matched with their mentors for one year and meet weekly for 2 - 4 hours. Throughout the one-year program, the mentors and youth develop goals (one physical activity, and one academic), have new experiences, and attend a variety of events with other mentors and mentees of the program.
  • Youth and their mentors attend agency events based on four programming pillars: Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning, Emotional Development, and Community Connectivity.
  • Youth and their families receive case management/support, and referrals for services. Mentors also have a network of support throughout their year of volunteering.
Last Assured
10/07/2025
Providing organization
Bolder Options

Offers mentoring and development for at-risk youth ages 10 - 14 in the Twin Cities and Rochester. The program promotes healthy lifestyles, fosters positive self-esteem, and encourages smart choices, while offering fun activities, goal-setting opportunities, and a supportive community.