Calling all youth leaders on Scratch!

We are excited to announce applications for the Scratch Mentor Program will be opening again on January 7, 2026. The Scratch Mentor Program is one tier within our larger Youth Leadership Lab initiative.

The aim of the Youth Leadership Lab is to provide opportunities for young people to engage in leadership roles and contribute positively to the Scratch community. The Leadership Lab consists of unique tiers, each building off the previous one and providing new opportunities for young people to get involved in the community and develop valuable skills. The Youth Advisory Board, launched in July 2024, is one of these tiers and the Scratch Mentor Program, launched in June 2025, is another one of these tiers.

Participants of the Scratch Mentor Program build on programs already in existence such as the Scratch Design Studio and Scratch Special Events, and provide more opportunities for youth leaders to design and manage studios, act as a role model and resource for others in the community, lead and guide volunteers during programming activities, and help shape Scratch’s big events throughout the year. This tier is ideal for Scratchers who are interested in expanding their leadership role in the community and are eager to deepen their engagement with the platform and expand their skills.

Applications open on January 7, 2026 and close on February 1, 2026. Everyone interested is encouraged to apply! To learn more about the application process, see the FAQ below.

We are looking forward to welcoming new members to the Mentor Team!
- ceebee, on behalf of the Scratch Team

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FAQ

What is the Youth Leadership Lab?
The Youth Leadership Lab is a program at Scratch that aims to provide opportunities for young people to engage in leadership roles and contribute positively to the Scratch community. The Leadership Lab consists of unique tiers, each building off the previous one and providing new opportunities for young people to get involved in the community and develop valuable skills. The Youth Advisory Board, launched in July 2024, is one of these tiers and the Scratch Mentor Program, launched in June 2025, is another one of these tiers.

What is the Scratch Mentor Program?
The Scratch Mentor Program, a program within the Youth Leadership Lab, builds on programs already in existence such as the Scratch Design Studio and Scratch Special Events. Members of the Scratch Mentor Program will have opportunities to design and manage studios, act as a role model and resource for others in the community, lead and guide volunteers during programming activities, and help shape Scratch’s big events throughout the year.

Is this program for me?
We are looking for Scratchers who are interested in leadership opportunities within Scratch. This could include Scratchers who have already participated in leadership programs like the Welcoming Committee, Scratch Design Studio, Front Page Curator, Scratch Camp Counselor, etc. It could also include Scratchers who have created and led their own studios within Scratch, Scratchers who are interested in expanding their leadership role in the community, and/or are eager to deepen their engagement with the platform and expand their skills. If any of this sounds like you, then we encourage you to apply!

Is there an age requirement?
All Scratchers under the age of 18 who are interested in the program are encouraged to apply.

How long does someone serve on the Scratch Mentor Program?
Currently, we are asking for a 6 month commitment.

How much of a time commitment is this program?
This will vary a bit depending on what aspects of the program are happening but generally, there will be opportunities to participate in something every month. This is a voluntary position in which you are free to participate as much or as little as you would like.

How many people will be accepted?
We will accept up to 50 applicants.

I live in a different country or time zone than the Scratch Team. Can I still apply?
Yes, definitely! The Scratch community is a global community and we want to make sure this is reflected in the Scratch Mentor Program.

How do I apply?
The application is done in two parts. The first part is an online form and the second part is the creation of a Scratch project that addresses specific questions. We will also need to chat with a parent or legal guardian as part of the process to make sure you have their permission to participate in the program. More details regarding this will be provided when the application opens.

When is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by the end of the day on February 1, 2026.

I’ve applied. Now what?
Once the application process is closed, we will review all of the applications to determine who will be invited to join the Scratch Mentor Program. We will let everyone know individually by email if your application was accepted or not. Please keep in mind it will take us some time to review everything so it may take a few weeks for us to get back to you! We will send emails to everyone on the same day.

I applied but wasn’t accepted. What else can I participate in?
There are lots of ways to participate in leadership opportunities on Scratch! Being friendly and welcome to others on Scratch, providing constructive feedback on projects, and hosting your own studios are all wonderful ways to show leadership on Scratch! We also have a few specific spaces you can check out right away that are always looking for additional helpers. This includes the Scratch Design Studio (always featured on the 4th row of the Scratch homepage), the Welcoming Committee, and the Front Page Curator program. We can’t wait to see what you will do ^.^