Finishing high school without a clear next step is common, and the year after graduation can become either a launch or a long pause. Blackburn Mentoring pairs a young adult with one dedicated mentor who meets with them regularly by video, with text and phone check-ins in between, to choose a direction, test it with a real first step such as a job, a class or a training program, and build the routine that makes it stick. Mentoring works anywhere in the US, and in person in Los Angeles.
When families reach out
- Graduated, or about to, with no plan for work or school; see life after high school
- Not ready for a four-year college, or unsure college is the right path; see paths after high school
- Taking a gap year and wanting it to have structure; see gap year mentoring
- Just turned 18 and handling adult tasks for the first time; see the turning 18 checklist
- Has not looked for a first job yet; see when a teen will not get a job
- Interested in a trade, community college or an apprenticeship but unsure how to start; see pre-apprenticeship programs and starting community college
What a mentor works on
- A direction. Comparing real options, such as community college, a four-year college, trades and apprenticeships, work or a planned gap year; see helping a teen choose a career.
- A first step this month. One concrete move, such as applying for a job, enrolling in a class or contacting a training program, so momentum starts now.
- Routine. Sleep, a weekly schedule and a plan for each day that is not built around school bells anymore.
- Adult basics. Money, a bank account, appointments and documents; see money and life skills.
- Follow-through. Regular sessions and check-ins so the plan keeps moving week to week.
For parents
The months after graduation can strain things at home, especially when a son or daughter seems to be drifting. A mentor gives your young adult someone outside the family to plan with and be accountable to. With the young adult’s permission, mentors share progress updates with parents. If your young adult lives with you, a written living at home agreement can make expectations clear on both sides, and the launch readiness quiz is a quick way to see where things stand.
What it is, and what it is not
- It is one-on-one mentoring and coaching for direction, structure and follow-through, by video anywhere in the US or in person in Los Angeles.
- It is not a residential program, a gap year travel program or a job placement service.
- If a young adult is dealing with depression, anxiety or substance use, a licensed professional is the right step, and a mentor can work alongside them. In a crisis, call or text 988.
How to start
- Book a free intro call. A free 20-minute video call with a member of our team. Calls are weekdays, 9 to 5 Pacific. Choose a time.
- Get matched. New clients are matched with a mentor within 2 business days.
- Start the plan. Sessions by video, scheduled in your local time, with early morning, evening and weekend times available.
Questions about mentoring after high school
My child just turned 18. Can I still be involved?
Yes. Parents often book the intro call and stay involved. Because the young adult is now an adult, mentors share progress updates with parents with the young adult’s permission.
Is this the same as a gap year program?
No. Many gap year programs are structured trips or set itineraries. Mentoring is one-on-one support from home, by video or in person in Los Angeles, built around the young adult’s own plan, whether that is work, school or a planned gap year.
Does my young adult need to know what they want to do?
No. Not knowing is one of the most common starting points. Early sessions focus on narrowing options through small, real tests, such as a part-time job, a single class or a conversation with someone in the field.
Do you work with young adults who are not going to college?
Yes. Mentoring covers work, trades, apprenticeships, community college and four-year college alike. The goal is a plan that fits the person.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. See how much a mentor costs, or ask on the free intro call.
Related
- Mentoring for trade school students and apprentices
- Life after high school
- Paths after high school
- Gap year mentoring
- Turning 18 checklist
- Coaching for young adults
- Mentoring for young adults
Get started
Graduated without a plan, or worried about a graduate at home? Call (888) 305-5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or book a free intro call. You can also start with a short assessment.
Booking for a son or daughter? You can book the call yourself. Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.