Be a Mentor and Make a Difference

Mentoring programs are currently recruiting for caring adults to build trusting relationships with young people. Mentoring is a structured, nurturing relationship that matches young people to supportive adults who can offer guidance and encouragement to young people as they develop their competence and character.

Research indicates that mentoring programs are more successful if they are driven by the needs and interests of the youth instead of the expectations of the adult volunteers. Research also states that success is related to a high level of personal interaction between the mentor and the mentee, along with a commitment from the mentee. The longer the mentoring relationship lasts, the more positive the outcomes. Some studies report that young people who have participated in mentoring programs display positive educational, health, and social benefits from the experience.

• Educational achievement: Mentored youth tend to have better attendance, a higher likelihood to pursue college, and more positive attitude while in school.
• Heath and Safety: Mentoring helps prevent substance abuse and detour other high negative risk behaviors among the youth.
• Social and Emotional Development: Youth in mentoring programs display more positive social attitudes toward their peers and their parents.

Explore the different mentoring programs in your community to find a good match for your interests and abilities. There is a young person out there waiting for your guidance.

Have fun!

Gina