Military Youth Sponsorship Programs

Permanent changes of station can be a challenge for military youth. That’s why the military offers the Youth Sponsorship Program and installations offer youth programs and centers — to help military youth get to know their new community, meet new friends and start to feel at home.

Become a youth sponsor.

If your child would like to become a youth sponsor, contact your installation School Liaison Program or youth program/center for more information.

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Youth Sponsorship Program

In the Youth Sponsorship Program, available in the states and overseas, youths are paired up with sponsors before they move. Youth sponsors, who already live in the new location and often attend the same school, can answer questions in advance about the installation, schools and the overall community, and help transitioning youth feel connected even before they make the move. Sponsors can also introduce new youth to the variety of opportunities available through military youth programs and centers on installation.

For more information about youth sponsors, or if you miss finding a sponsor prior to departing your installation, contact the youth programs staff at your new installation to get connected and tour the youth/teen center.

You can also contact your installation School Liaison Program office for information about school-based youth sponsorship programs such as Anchored4Life and Student2Student. These peer-to-peer programs can help your student adjust to and navigate their new school.

Youth Sponsorship Program: Helping Students Through Transitions

Explore how the Youth Sponsorship Program supports students as they transition from one school to the next.

School Liaisons 101: An Introduction to School Liaisons

Discover the ways installation school liaisons can help your child’s transition.

What Is the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, or MIC3?

Learn how the MIC3 informs parents about legal protections for their children in the school system as they PCS to new installations and schools.

Installation-specific youth programs and centers

Installation youth programs and centers are staffed by caring professionals and provide safe, developmentally appropriate places for military youth to socialize and grow, develop essential skills and make lasting connections. Programs vary by location but typically include sports and fitness activities; field trips; computer labs for homework support and tutoring; music, art and game rooms; and instructional classes and camps. They are also simply a great place to hang out with friends.

Youth centers also offer leadership, college preparation and workforce development opportunities through Boys & Girls Clubs of America and 4-H partnership programs.

Youth living off installations can also access a variety of programs through 4-H, Armed Services YMCAs, the National Military Family Association and Operation Purple®. Learn more about the variety of opportunities offered through military youth and teen programs.

View The Value of Military Youth Programs video.