Who We Are

Brief History

Program Overview

About AGBU


The Generation Next Mentorship Program is a non-profit organization and was created in 1997 under the auspices of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and with the assistance of the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD).

The primary goal of the Generation Next Mentorship Program is to assist Southern California youth of Armenian descent by providing them with adult role models.

Starting with eight mentees in 1997, throughout the years the program has grown to serve hundreds of students (mentees) ranging from the seventh to twelfth grades.

All mentors are volunteers, age 21 years old and over, who dedicate their time and efforts to Armenian students by serving as adult an friend.

The students are selected from those attending the seventh and eighth grades at GUSD middle schools. Each student is assigned to one mentor for the duration of the year.

All new mentors will participate in Mentor Training sessions before the start of the mentoring year.

Twice a month, the mentors and the mentees have one-on-one meetings during which they develop a friendship based on trust and respect. The nature of the meetings is decided by the mentor with the consent of the mentee and his or her parents.

Also, all the program members come together once a month to participate in a variety of group activities (designed by the task force members) where they enjoy fun and educational outings such as:
  • Lectures on Armenian Culture & Heritage
  • Getty Museum
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • LA Connection Comedy Theatre
  • AGBU Annual Picnic
  • Glendale Graffiti Paint Out Day
  • Artistic Showcase
  • Armenian Folk Music & Dance Performances
Every few months, our program mentors and task force members also have social meetings where they spend quality time with one another. It is an opportunity for the volunteers to become more bonded. These events unify people who are committed to serving the community and future of our Armenian youth.
    MENTORS
  • Meet with the student twice a month.
  • Keep up weekly phone conversations.
  • Participate in the fun and educational monthly group activities.
    MENTEES
  • Keep in contact and meet with the mentors twice a month.
  • Participate in group activities once a month.
  • Strive to improve grades at school.
    PARENTS
  • Support the program by making sure the student is available to meet with his or her mentor twice a month.
  • Inform the mentor of any rules or restrictions they have placed on the student.
  • Participate in monthly parent meetings.
There is no charge to the parents or the students for participating in this program. All mentors are unpaid volunteers.
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