Mentors can provide Youth with a trusted adult whom they can turn to for advice and guidance outside of their family home. Mentoring gives young people access to caring, stable adults and as a result they are more likely to see improved academic, social and and economic prospects. Research shows that youths who have been mentored are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions!
A mentor’s role is to listen deeply to what the youth is expressing and reflect what they hear while drawing out positive aspects and the strengths exhibited by the mentee. We ask new mentors to be as present as possible, and to listen without judgement. We let them know we are always here to offer support, council and guidance along the way.
National research has shown that mentoring youth increases their 1) self-confidence 2) self-efficacy 3) social connection 4) academic motivation 5) social competence 6) self-expression 7) presence of trusted adult 8) commitment to education. As these assets are increased, resilience—which mitigates the effects of trauma and stress, and promotes positive growth—increases as well.
