Fame Youth Mentoring

🧠 Tampa Bay Academy of Hope (TBAH) – Overview

Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on empowering youth, individuals, and families through mentoring, education, workforce development, and support services. Their goal is to help participants build confidence, stay in school, prepare for future careers, and thrive in community life.

What we offer:

• Mentoring and youth development
• Tutoring and academic support
• Vocational training and job readiness
• Parenting classes and family support
• Reentry and workforce services for justice-involved adults
• Veteran support programs

FAME Program – Fostering Aspirations: Mentor Engagement

The FAME program is TBAH’s signature youth mentoring initiative designed to connect caring adults with young people to support their personal and academic growth.

Purpose & Mission

The FAME program seeks to:

• Empower youth ages 10–17 through meaningful mentoring relationships
• Inspire personal, academic, and community success
• Promote self-confidence, resilience, and purpose in participants

Who It Serves

Youth in:

• Hillsborough County
• Polk County
• Pasco County
• Manatee County (in some outreach descriptions)
• These participants include aspiring leaders, socially isolated youth, youth needing positive role models, and youth wanting support navigating adolescence.

Mentor–Mentee Matching

• Mentoring is one-to-one and also includes some group mentoring activities.
• Mentors commit to at least 12 months (minimum school year) with mentees.
• Mentors spend about 1 hour per week with their mentees in regular contact.
• The FAME approach is based on evidence-based mentoring standards (Elements of Effective Practice).

📅 Activities & Support

Participants and mentors take part in:

Monthly Activities

• Engaging events and workshops to grow skills and interests
• Social activities to build stronger mentor-mentee connections
• Opportunities to pursue vocational/occupational certifications for youth

Parent & Family Engagement

• Quarterly activities where parents connect with mentors and learn about their child’s progress
• Monthly parenting classes with evidence-based support for healthy home environments

💰 Cost

• No cost to families — all FAME mentoring services are provided free.

👥 Becoming a Mentor or Mentee

📌 For Mentors

To become a mentor with the FAME program:

• Adults (typically 21+) are invited to apply.
• Mentors usually complete:
  • A background check
  • Provide references
  • Attend orientation and training
  • Commit to regular communication with program staff
  • Make a 12-month minimum commitment at ~1 hr/week with a mentee.

Supports Provided to Mentors:

• Free training
• Ongoing support and coaching
• Structured monthly activities to engage with mentees
• Tools to help mentor successfully and build trust with youth

You can apply online via their mentorship application portal (typically through MentorCore) or contact the organization directly.

👧 For Mentees (Youth Participants)

Youth ages 10–17 interested in the FAME program can apply for mentoring services.

• They’re matched with caring adults who provide weekly guidance.
• Youth can participate in workshops, activities, and optional career training opportunities.
• Families can contact TBAH to register a child in the program.