OUR MISSION
Teaching youth to succeed in all of life's races.
HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS
We make mentoring fun and easy. Youth and mentors meet once a week for 2-4 hours, every week, for one year. At the end of their year together, we hold graduation to celebrate the accomplishments of the youth, mentor, and both of their families.
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We host roughly two events at the Bolder sites per week (often co-hosted by our youth, family, or mentors!) These programs are concentrated around four core values.
OUR VALUES
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LIFELONG LEARNING
We believe youth need to have a clear pathway from middle school, to high school, to their secondary education, and careers. That's why we host career nights, college tours, cultural events, art nights, and more, to inspire lifelong learning.
OUR COMMITMENT
BEST PRACTICES
We take pride in being in 100% compliance with mentoring best practice and have been awarded Expert Partner status by MENTOR Minnesota.
Youth serving
We are longtime members of the Youth Intervention Program Association (YIPA).
Accountability
We meet all 25 of the Charities Review Council's Accountability Standards in nonprofit governance, finances, fundraising, and public accountability
LGBTQ+ Ally
Bolder Options is proud to be a certified LGBTQ+ Ally site, dedicated to promoting inclusivity and acceptance among our mentors and mentees alike.
OUR HISTORY
Bolder Options was founded in 1993, in response to a community needs assessment that identified a pressing need for mentoring programs in the Twin Cities. Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach, answering the call to bring its unique brand of supportive mentorship to new communities. In 2006, Bolder Options gained recognition as one of the best charities in the nation, which helped pave the way for the launch of its St. Paul location in 2007. In 2010, the program was once again expanded to include a location in the city of Rochester. All the while, Bolder Options has been an Expert Partner in mentoring, earning recognition from both Mentor Minnesota and the National Mentoring Partnership. Thanks to new partnerships with alumni mentor-run Quetico Foundation US in 2018, Bolder Options expanded its alumni program, providing incredible opportunities for young people to grow and learn on exciting trips to places like the BWCA and Montana.