Our volunteers shape the futures of youth
The heart of our Mentorship, College, and Career Access program is the relationship between volunteers and youth. Over eight months, volunteers help students transform challenges into opportunities, navigating high school, discovering college and career pathways, and preparing for a future they can be proud of.
The power of mentorship
For Tracy La, giving back through mentorship feels personal. She first connected with CYC as a high schooler, and the support she received then inspired her to return as a mentor. “I think programs like this are so important because not every student has access to the same resources,” Tracy shared. “CYC helps open doors that some youth might not otherwise get.” Now she’s paying that support forward, helping students see new possibilities and believe in their own potential. Her story reflects the full-circle impact of mentorship—how one experience can spark another and keep the cycle of care going.
That same ripple effect is how Alec Okino found his way to CYC. Encouraged by Tracy to get involved, he saw mentorship as an opportunity to both give back personally and create impact through his company’s commitment to community. Since then, Alec has not only supported students directly but also organized fundraisers to ensure the program can continue serving young people for years to come. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I didn’t really have a mentor growing up, and I think it’s important for youth to have a role model outside of a teacher—someone who can listen and guide them in a different way.”
Seeing the impact
From her perspective as Senior Program Coordinator, Paula Zeng sees the impact of volunteers every day. She remembers one student who stayed after hours, unwilling to leave because of a powerful conversation with their mentor. “Mentors play such an important role because they’ve been through similar experiences,” Paula explained. “They can offer guidance in a way that helps youth feel seen and supported.” Over time, she’s noticed students stepping out of their comfort zones, building confidence, and learning to approach adults as allies rather than authority figures.
Together, mentors like Tracy and Alec, along with the guidance of staff like Paula, are helping young people grow into their futures with courage and connection. Their commitment not only supports students in the moment but also strengthens the community for years to come. We’re proud to honor their work and grateful for the impact they make every day.
If you’re inspired by Tracy, Alec, and mentors like them, we invite you to get involved. Visit our volunteer page to sign up to be a mentor or explore our other volunteer opportunities such as our upcoming job fair on October 15th.