The 2026 West Coast Mentoring Conference is a virtual convening co-hosted by MENTOR California and MENTOR Washington, proud members of the MENTOR Affiliate Network. We’re bringing together mentoring providers, educators, school districts, youth-serving organizations, mental health partners, workforce leaders, funders, and policymakers to strengthen relationship-centered practices and create pathways that help young people thrive across every part of their lives.

This year’s conference—Beyond the Game: Education, Careers, and Life Design—invites us to think about “the game” as the game of life. Sports and youth culture are an entry point, but the focus is broader: how young people build identity, belonging, confidence, and resilience—and how adults help connect opportunities across school, community, and future careers. We’ll explore what it takes to create environments where youth feel seen and supported, and where support doesn’t end when a season ends, a program ends, or graduation happens.

Together, we’ll highlight practical strategies for belonging and mental wellness, healing-centered and culturally responsive mentoring (especially for young people of color), and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen outcomes—from attendance and graduation to postsecondary success and workforce development, including career-connected mentoring, networks, and life design.

Connection is the strategy.

DEADLINE EXTENDED- RFP’s should be returned no later than 11:59pm PT on Friday, March 27th. Presenters will hear back by Friday, April 3rd regarding proposal acceptance. 

If you turned in your proposal by the first deadline (March 20th), you will hear back by Friday March 27th. 

Workshops selected will receive one $300 stipend and each presenter will be provided with free registration, and a headshot and bio will be published on the website.