When mentor Keith showed up for his first Learn & Earn workshop, he sat next to the mentee who seemed, at first glance, the most different from himself. Fast forward three years, and that young person—Deavonie—has become a central person in Keith’s life.

Yamil and Monica connected mostly through video calls for the first year after being matched in October 2020. Just one year in, the pair built a beautiful connection working towards Yamil’s goals of completing his GED and becoming a singer. Yamil reflected on having Monica for his mentor, saying, “It’s good to have someone on your side to support you on your way.”