Initiative’s goal is to empower youth ages 10 to 15
The Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) is launching a new, free mentorship program, The Ridge Ripple Effect, the staff announced this week.
The participants in the Ridge Ripple Effect will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday from January to May 2026, at The Ridge Teen Center in Bee Ridge Park, which is located at 4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota, a news release says.
“This innovative program empowers youth ages 10 to 15 to grow through mentorship, leadership development and community service projects,” the release explains. “By pairing mentors with small groups of mentees, the program fosters supportive relationships, encourages positive decision making and inspires participants to make a lasting impact in their community,” the release says.
In addition to the bi-monthly meetings, the program will feature monthly service projects, the release continues. “These projects are designed to provide opportunities for civic engagement and allow mentees to take an active role in the Sarasota community while they participate in leadership experiences,” the release points out.
The application period is open for both mentors and mentees, the release adds, with a Monday, Dec. 1 deadline set.
“Mentees ages 10 to 15 who are ready to build leadership and decision-making skills, participate in fun, meaningful service projects and make new friends” may apply here, the release says. “Mentors ages 18 and older who are ready to share guidance and encouragement, build supportive relationships and help shape the next generation of leaders can apply here.”
For more information on The Ridge Ripple Effect, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com/theridge.