What Is the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program?
Each spring, wear blue: run to remember hosts a ten-week run-focused mentorship program for youth who have lost a parent or sibling serving in the military, or as a result of their military service. Gold Star and Surviving youth aged 6 to 17 are matched with currently serving or recently separated Service Members. The matches will meet for a few hours on Saturday mornings to set and work toward S.M.A.R.T. goals, learn about a life of military service, develop a friendship and train for a 5K that they will run together on Memorial Day.
“[My mentee] taught me so much about resiliency, laughter, perseverance, and optimism. I feel selfish that I probably gained more from our time together than she did. She was the best part of my week every week. This program made me a better person.”
94% of our mentors feel that the GSYMP helped them develop healthy coping mechanisms to respond to the challenges of military life
Because of the GSYMP, 87% of our participants know that they have people outside their families who encourage and support them
100% of our mentors have a greater sense of self worth after serving as a mentor in the GSYMP
“Just seeing all of the kids and parents who lost a member in their family like me. I now feel like I am not alone. It does make me sad to see little kids who lost their parents. But they are not alone in it.”
100% of our youth reported an increase in the distance they could walk or run by the end of the program
*The Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program is generously funded and supported by corporate sponsorship, strategic partners, and individual donors committed to children who have lost a parent in military service.
