Summer Mentor Program

College. Career. Leadership.

June 8 – July 30, 2026
Sacramento, CA

2026 Summer Mentor Program

The Summer Mentor Program is an intensive 8-week mentorship and leadership experience for refugee and immigrant high school students.

Through college and career readiness training, leadership development, structured mentorship, hands-on projects, and community service, participants build the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive in school, work, and life.

This grant-funded cohort is offered to 15 ORR-eligible youth at no cost. Selected participants receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.

Program Details

Apply by: May 18, 2026

📆 Dates: June 8 – July 30, 2026 (8 weeks)
⏰ Schedule: Mondays to Thursdays | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
👥 Cohort Size: 15 participants
💵 Stipend: $500, awarded upon successful completion
✅ Attendance: Week 1 is mandatory
📍 Location: SALAM Islamic Center | Sacramento, CA
🚌 Includes: Group field trip to a local college or career site

Eligibility Requirements

To participate, applicants must be high school students, have obtained a qualifying immigration status on or after July 30, 2021, and fall into one of the following ORR-eligible categories:

Refugees
Asylees
Cuban or Haitian entrants
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including Iraqi and Afghan SIVs
Afghan or Ukrainian humanitarian parolees
Certified victims of trafficking
Amerasian immigrants
Unaccompanied minors granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Documentation

Selected applicants will be asked to provide one of the following to verify eligibility. Originals or copies are acceptable; documentation is reviewed by SALAM staff only and kept confidential.

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record showing refugee, asylee, parolee, or SIV status
USCIS approval notice (e.g., I-797) showing relevant status
ORR eligibility letter or trafficking certification letter
Court order granting Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Other documentation acceptable to ORR — please ask if you are not sure

Program Highlights

✅ College Readiness

Campus visits, college application overview, FAFSA awareness, personal statements, and study skills.

✅ Career Readiness

Resume writing, interviewing, public speaking, and professional communication in a supportive, mentor-led environment.

✅ Leadership Development

Project management, teamwork, decision-making, and confidence-building through real responsibility.

✅ Mentorship

Participants are paired with professional mentors from a range of fields for ongoing guidance through the summer.

✅ Hands-On Projects

Participants contribute to real community initiatives, events, and marketing campaigns.

✅ Group Field Trip

A college or career-site visit is included in the program.

✅ Community & Belonging

A supportive cohort of peers walking the same journey, with lasting friendships and a network of community connections.

Apply for the 2026 Summer Mentor Program

Build your future. Strengthen your community. Grow with purpose.

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for motivated youth who are:

High school students ages 15 to 18
ORR-eligible (see Eligibility section above)
Eager to grow as leaders, prepare for college and career, and serve their community
Able to commit to the full 8-week program (Monday through Thursday)
Open to learning, reflecting, and stepping outside their comfort zone
No prior experience needed — applicants of any background are welcome

How to Apply

Submit your resume, and a cover letter with a brief personal statement (2–3 paragraphs) on why you want to join and what you hope to gain to mentorship@salamcenter.org
Be prepared to provide eligibility documentation — see the Eligibility section above. You may submit it with your application or bring it to the interview
Selected applicants will be invited for a short interview with the Program Coordinator
Application Deadline: May 18, 2026

Email Your Application

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply?

High school students ages 15–18 who fall into one of the ORR-eligible categories listed above. Applicants of any background, faith, or country of origin are welcome.

Is prior experience required?

Not at all. We welcome applicants at all experience levels. What matters most is your motivation to grow, contribute, and make an impact.

Do participants get paid?

Yes. A $500 stipend is awarded upon successful completion of the full 8-week program.

How is ORR-eligibility verified, and is my information confidential?

Selected applicants will be asked to share documentation showing immigration status (I-94, USCIS notice, ORR letter, or similar). All documentation is reviewed by SALAM staff only, kept confidential, and stored securely. It is used solely to verify program eligibility for the funder. Submitting documentation is required to participate but does not guarantee acceptance.