Mentor Up! Personal Trainer Apprenticeship Program

Mentor Up! Personal Trainer Apprenticeship Program is a 10-week Personal Training Apprenticeship Program where participants study anatomy, biology, emotional intelligence, and injury prevention. The program includes weekly group cross-mentorship opportunities, 1:1 mentoring for personalized guidance and support, and participation in sub-groups for young women, young men, and mixed groups. Participants also take part in the Grit & Grace Challenge, learn marketing strategies, client acquisition techniques, business management principles, gain CPR Certification, and learn the use of emergency equipment and protocols, with hands-on experience in a 24/7 fitness lab.

• Ages: 17–18 years old
• Schedule: 10-week Personal Training Apprenticeship Program

MentorUp! is part of a non-profit organization that offers a comprehensive onboarding program for the next generation of personal trainers, with a focus on fitness training, business development, and career exploration, and includes job placement for becoming a certified personal trainer. The program emphasizes participants becoming economically empowered, physically vibrant, and psychologically confident, and uses multidirectional mentoring through sub-groups for young women, young men, and mixed groups. The organization states a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and promoting a holistic approach to wellness, and is committed to serving underserved and under represented at-risk youth, ages 17–30, with mentorship, education, fitness resources, and job placement in the fitness industry through the Mentor Up! Personal Training Apprenticeship Program. The leadership and support team includes Founder Mallory Gaston, Board of Directors Vice Chair Elana Yonah, Duke as Chief Advisor of Happiness, Sara Teresa Leon, MBA, Dr. Yvonne Cagle, and listed individuals Coach Elaine, Yuma Bella Noir, Matthew Remanick, DB Bedford, Toni Wolfson, Alexandra (“Lexi”) Mussallem, and Melissa Blaustein.

Last updated August 16, 2026.