We will pair every rising senior from at an at-risk high school on the outskirts of Sofia with a mentor working in the field of their intended career. Long-term mentoring will allow the youths to remain on their chosen career development path while overcoming the difficulties they are likely to experience coming from an at-risk background such as dropping out of school, making unsound financial and personal decisions, finding or leaving a job just for the money and others.
40% of teenagers' waking hours are spent without supervision or companionship. At-risk teens are especially prone to use that time to settle in for unhealthy occupations and a negative environment. If left to fend for their themselves, at-risk high schoolers are significantly more likely than their peers to drop out of the educational system, to take risky financial or health-related decisions, and to hinder their chances to grow up as independent and successful adults.
Weekly interaction with a role model character will allow the youths to see through the problems they face in terms of their social and economic integrations. The mentors will help the youths learn to navigate the path to their professional success, and they will empower with the skills and self-confidence necessary to cope with real life situations.
Detracting the teenagers from unhealthy and unwise occupations will allow them to set foot on the path of prosperity. Finding the right job long-term will allow them to achieve financial stability and pay it forward, breaking the cycle of poverty for their families and community.
