Deeper volunteer leaders: healthy adults in the lives of students

Deeper Leaders are driven by a profound sense of calling. The reasons behind their decision to dedicate so much time and energy—without any compensation—are as unique as the leaders themselves. Some were deeply impacted by their own struggles in high school and are determined to ensure today’s students feel the love of Jesus Christ that they have encountered. Others have experienced the transformative influence of healthy adult role models in their own lives and are inspired to pass that gift along to the next generation.

Despite their varied motivations, all Deeper Leaders share a unified purpose: a wholehearted, 100% commitment to the students they serve. They willingly invest their time, energy, and care into creating meaningful relationships that inspire hope, foster growth, and show students they are never alone. For these leaders, the reward lies in the impact they make on young lives and the opportunity to be a consistent, positive presence in a world that often feels uncertain.

The safety and well-being of students—spiritual, emotional, and physical—is our top priority. That’s why we carefully vet every Deeper Leader.

All prospective volunteers begin as candidates and complete an eight-week training program. During this time, they attend all sessions, where their conduct and interactions are evaluated.

After training, candidates apply to become leaders. We contact their references, conduct a background check, and hold a final interview with staff, leaders, and community members.

Only those who earn full confidence at every step are granted the title of Deeper Leader, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve and support our students.

Deeper Leaders are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to students. They show up at football games, dance recitals, and other significant moments, sometimes being the only adult cheering for a student. Through genuine, life-on-life discipleship, they mentor students as real friends—walking with them through highs and lows, always seeking what’s best for them. Leaders share the Christian faith by first living it out as an example in their own lives.

It’s often said that for adolescents, “love” is spelled “t-i-m-e.” With this in mind, Deeper Leaders dedicate upwards of 10 hours a week to investing in the lives of students—coaching sports, leading events, studying the Bible in groups, and consistently showing up for the young people they care about so deeply.