By Tatiana Stafford
Ukrainian children raised in orphanages, institutions, or unstable families are often very reserved, shy, and unsure of themselves. Meeting adults one-on-one can feel intimidating, especially for a child who does not trust easily. Many adults often also feel uneasy and unsure of what to do or how to talk to these “strange and surly” teenagers. But meaningful connections are vital for these kids. Statistics show that young people who age out of institutions without a loving, stable support system are more likely to become homeless, addicted to alcohol or drugs, and incarcerated. Having even just one stable adult they can rely on greatly improves their odds for success. This is where the Pathway to Success program comes in.
Pathway to Success is a corporate mentoring program that connects older at-risk youth and teens growing up in Ukrainian institutions with caring adults from the business community. The young people are taken on outings and site visits, led by program staff and Supermentors, a group of peers who have had similar experiences and have previously benefited from the Pathway to Success program. The Supermentors are instrumental in developing connections with youth who are hesitant or uncertain as they can explain what to expect and how the program has helped them.
At first, the young people join the outings or site visits as a group, helping them to feel safer, more relaxed, and under no pressure to make any decisions. They can simply observe, listen, and take part when they feel ready. This model also helps the adults feel more confident. Through site visits, the kids can see where the mentors work and hear them speak with passion about their professions and experiences. The mentors can participate and have an impact without having to dedicate a lot of time outside of their jobs to the program. These group meetings create a friendly atmosphere and perfect environment where both the youth and adults can feel as equals, learning from each other.
By meeting many adults from different professions and walks of life, young people discover new interests, see new possibilities, and start imagining who they might want to become. Through these meetings, youth are exposed to different professions, new skills, academic paths, and real work environments. They can “try on” new roles, discover strengths, build confidence, and access opportunities that may lead to internships or meaningful employment. They also get the chance to notice: “Who do I connect with? Who listens to me? Who inspires me?”
Most importantly, this process prioritizes long-term, individual mentor–youth relationships. Multiple meetings help trust grow step-by-step. Over time, these shared moments lead to individual mentor–youth connections that feel real and mutual, not forced.
When a young person and mentor choose each other because they truly connect, the relationship is stronger, more natural, and more likely to continue into adulthood and outside of the program.
Bringing together a wide mix of successful adults and young people, without pressure or immediate commitment, dramatically increases the number of people willing to participate in mentoring. It allows relationships to form organically, gradually, and smoothly, which is exactly how trust is built and long-term mentorships begin. We hear from many adults that they simply wouldn’t know, think, or consider becoming a mentor to orphaned children or at-risk youth if not for our program.
