Rainbow Labs was launched in 2020 by Jacob Toups, and Luis Vasquez was to address the unique challenges faced by queer and gender non-conforming youth. Jacob and Luis both know these unique challenges as they encountered them growing up in their communities. Bullying and lack of supportive environments in these communities never allowed them to connect to other members of the Queer and Gender Nonconforming community. This community of peers was not found until much later in life where they found safe and supportive spaces to explore their identities. In creating Rainbow Labs, they want to ensure the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth find their community, peers, and safe spaces earlier on while gaining a sense of empowerment to propel them into bright futures.

Becoming a mentor for Rainbow Labs to support the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth is life changing. They offer a comprehensive mentoring experience across all their programs - Storytelling Lab, Accelerator Lab, One Bold Summer, Sports Lab, and more. Learn more about their programs here.

As a mentor you can expect:

- Group Mentoring: Almost all of their mentoring experiences are done in groups. That means you get a mentor team-mate who will support you and the group.

- Mentor Training: All of their mentors receive training and orientation. This covers topics like mandated reporting, identity development, LGBTQ+ 101, youth development, trauma-informed care, and more.

- Rainbow Labs Staff Support: You aren't alone in your mentoring journey. They have developed a support network which includes their Rainbow Labs staff. They will provide direct resources, support, and guidance during your time with them.

-Communication Tools: All their mentors are given a Rainbow Labs email and Slack Channel. These two communication tools offer containment strategies. They want to maintain healthy relationships in their programming and these tool support that. The Slack Channel offers a digital space for mentors to convene during program to discuss their experiences, youth, and offer additional resources.

-Short Mentoring Times: They offer short mentoring "sprints" with high levels of mentoring time in a short amount of time. Most of our programming runs in 6 - 10 week increments.

Contact info@rainbowlabs.org with questions.