About Mentoring

A  mentor, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is a wise and trusted counselor and teacher.

Mentoring is a one-to-one relationship between a youth and an older person who provides support, guidance and concrete help while the younger person is going through a difficult or challenging period of life.

The goal of mentoring is to help the mentees gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own futures, including, and with an increasing emphasis on, academic and occupational skills.

Why Mentoring?

No one makes it in America without some kind of mentor.  Whenever successful people look back, they cite those older adults who influenced their development, even if they knew each other for only a short time.  For the 13.6 million youths in the USA under 18 facing steep odds against success, finding mentors is not only helpful, but essential.

Young people want support.  There was a time when our society was made up of extended families and close communities.  Aunts, uncles, grandparents, older cousins and family friends served naturally as mentor role models.  However, todayís families are changing dramatically.  Many of our young people lack nurturing and supportive primary adult relationships.

Nationally, nearly 15 million children live in single parent homes.
One in five children lives in poverty
Only 40% of young people born in the U.S. can expect to spend their entire childhood living with both biological parents.

The effect on our youth is devastating.  3 out of 10 young people drop out of school.  Many start using illegal drugs that lead to addiction and criminal behavior.

Mentoring Works!

Mentors can have a great impact on the life of a young person.
Mentors can encourage a young person to dream and set goals.
Mentors can leave the legacy of a brighter future for a young person.

Studies have shown that:

Young people with mentors are more likely to:

•   Stay  in school through graduation
•   Achieve and aspire to better grades
•   Go on to college

•   46% less likely  than their peers to start using illegal drugs
•   27% less likely  to start drinking
•   33% less likely  to assault someone
•   52% less likely  to skip a day at school

What Do Mentors Gain From Mentoring?

• Appreciation and respect for  people from different backgrounds.
• Satisfaction in knowing that they can make a difference.
• Increased sense of community through the sharing of their strengths and abilities.
• New friendships and relationships.
• An opportunity to play a part in building a better community for themselves and their families.