Regardless of income level, studies show that youth grow intellectually, interpersonally, and emotionally from supportive mentors.
Mentoring creates positive impact in youth’s lives. Youth with mentors have higher rates of high school graduation and are less likely to drop out of school. They find more self-confidence, self esteem, and are able to create big goals for themselves. Additionally, studies show that behavior, attitudes, and relationships improve when a youth has a mentor. Mentors help children grow and close the social and/or economic opportunity gap.
According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, children at risk who had a mentor were:
- 55% more likely to enroll in college
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip class
- 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
- 90% interested in become a mentor themselves
- 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
- 46% less likely to use drugs
- 27% less likely to drink
- 81% more likely to participate in extracurricular activities
Mentoring is just one component of our program that involves other elements, such as tutoring or life skills training and coaching. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both immediate and long-term and contribute to a host of benefits for mentors and mentees.
Benefits for youth:
- Increased high school graduation rates
- Lower high school dropout rates
- Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
- Better attitude about school
- Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
- Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
- Improved behavior, both at home and at school
- Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers
- Improved interpersonal skills
- Decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use
Benefits for mentors:
- Increased self-esteem
- A sense of accomplishment
- Creation of networks of volunteers
- Insight into childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood
- Increased patience and improved supervisory skills
http://youth.gov/youth-topics/mentoring/benefits-mentoring-young-people
http://www.mentoring.org/why-mentoring/mentoring-impact/#1442856425662-6157b444-bcc4
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moment-youth/201301/mentoring-youth-matters