Two01 · Mentorship · Become a Mentor

Become a Mentor

Be the mentor you needed. Two01 Basketball Academy pairs young people ages 7 to 21 with caring adults who show up, every week. We use basketball to open the door, and mentors keep it open, in the classroom, in leadership and in life. If you have experience to share and time to give, apply below.

Commitment · 2+ hours per month Where · Newark, Northern NJ, NYC & virtual Requirements · 21+ · background check · certification
Start your application How it works
What mentors do

Show up. Listen. Lead by example.

Our scoreboard is the graduation rate. Mentors are a big reason it reads 100%. Two01 Basketball Academy
  • Lead small-group sessions

    Co-facilitate weekly sessions in our Leadership, B.A.L.L. Incubator, Student-Athlete and Fear Isn’t Real curricula, with a guide for every week.

  • Support academics

    Help with homework, study habits, test prep and high school and college applications.

  • Open doors to careers

    Share your career path, host a workplace visit, or run a workshop on financial literacy, resumes or interviewing.

  • Be present on game day

    Volunteer at showcases, clinics and community events, where a familiar face in the stands matters.

The process

From application to your first session.

Step 1

Apply

Complete the intake form below. It takes about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Interview

A 30-minute conversation with our team about your goals, strengths and availability.

Step 3

Clear & certify

Background check and references, then the 5-week Mentor Certification Course and 60-question certification test.

Step 4

Get matched

We place you in a program and cohort that fits your skills and schedule.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to have played. You need to care.

  • 21 or older

    Able to pass a criminal background check, child abuse clearance and sex offender registry check.

  • Reliable

    Young people notice who keeps showing up. We ask for at least one season with a consistent schedule.

  • Grounded in our values

    Teamwork, Respect, Effort and Excellence, on and off the court.

  • Every background

    Professionals, educators, coaches, faith leaders, college students, entrepreneurs and Two01 alumni.

Mentor intake

Apply to become a Two01 mentor.

Four short steps. Fields marked * are required. We review every application and respond within five business days.

  1. 01About you
  2. 02Experience
  3. 03Availability & references
  4. 04Review & consent
Step 01

About you
Step 02

Experience & interests
Experience working with youth *
Your basketball background *

Basketball is our vehicle, not a requirement. Mentors from every background are welcome.

Which programs would you like to support? *
Areas you could share with students *
Step 03

Availability & references
When are you generally available? *
Reference 1 *

Someone who has seen you work with youth or in a professional setting. Not a family member.

Reference 2
Step 04

Review & consent

Two01 Basketball Academy uses this information only to review your application, contact your references and coordinate your clearances. We do not sell or share it.

Step 1 of 4
Questions

Before you apply.

Do I need basketball experience?

No. Basketball is how we reach young people, but our mentors include professionals, educators, faith leaders and entrepreneurs who have never played organized ball.

How much time does it take?

Most mentors give 4 to 8 hours a month, usually one weekly session plus an occasional event. Event-only and virtual options are available.

Do I need to be certified?

Yes. Every mentor completes the 5-week Mentor Certification Course and passes a 60-question certification test. Certificates are valid for 2 years and must be renewed every 2 years to keep being matched with mentees.

How do the background checks work?

After your interview, we send you instructions for each required clearance and walk you through the process. You cannot work with students until every clearance is complete.

Can my company or organization mentor as a group?

Yes. We run corporate workshops on financial literacy, career readiness and technology. Email info@two01basketball.academy, or see our Sponsorship page.

I’m a Two01 alum. Can I apply?

Absolutely. Alumni make some of our best mentors. Note it in your application and we will prioritize your interview.