What Is the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program?
Each spring, wear blue: run to remember hosts a ten-week run-focused mentorship program for youth who have lost a parent or sibling serving in the military, or as a result of their military service. Gold Star and Surviving youth aged 6 to 17 are matched with currently serving or recently separated Service Members. The matches will meet for a few hours on Saturday mornings to set and work toward S.M.A.R.T. goals, learn about a life of military service, develop a friendship and train for a 5K that they will run together on Memorial Day.
Sign-up for Updates
Register your contact information to learn more about our Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program. Whether you're interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee, signing up ensures you'll receive all the latest updates and information this fall for our 2025 Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program.
“[My mentee] taught me so much about resiliency, laughter, perseverance, and optimism. I feel selfish that I probably gained more from our time together than she did. She was the best part of my week every week. This program made me a better person.”
94% of our mentors feel that the GSYMP helped them develop healthy coping mechanisms to respond to the challenges of military life
Because of the GSYMP, 87% of our participants know that they have people outside their families who encourage and support them
100% of our mentors have a greater sense of self worth after serving as a mentor in the GSYMP
100% of our youth reported an increase in the distance they could walk or run by the end of the program
“Just seeing all of the kids and parents who lost a member in their family like me. I now feel like I am not alone. It does make me sad to see little kids who lost their parents. But they are not alone in it.”
Join us as we celebrate the inspiring journey of Mattix and Leilani Guard in the 2024 Gold Star Youth Mentor program, honoring the memory of their late father, SFC Nicholas KF Guard. This heartfelt video showcases their participation, the connections they made, and the healing power of community for their family. In this video, you'll hear from their mother, Cydney, as she shares what it meant to see her children honor their father's legacy and how the program brought healing through the friendships she formed with fellow Gold Star and surviving wives. Witness the strength, resilience, and unity of the wear blue: run to remember community as they come together to support and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
*The Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program is generously funded and supported by corporate sponsorship, strategic partners, and individual donors committed to children who have lost a parent due to military service.
