When an individual adult mentors a young person, the benefits to that young person and to the community are significant. A national study indicates that youth involved in formal, high-quality relationships attend school more regularly, have better attitudes and behaviors at school, and are more likely to pursue post-secondary education.
At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them and that they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges.
Think back. Did you know how to study for a test or make plans for college? Do you remember wanting your first car or looking for a part-time job? Simple things that seem easy or straightforward to you now may appear to be a complete mystery to a young person. Mentors provide their mentees with an experienced friend who is there to help in any number of situations.
- 55% more likely to enroll in college
- 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
- 90% are interested in becoming a mentor
- 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
- Increased academic performance
- Improved school attendance
- Greater classroom engagement
- Improved perceptions of parental relationship
- Decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use
- Decreased violent behavior
- Decreased gang involvement
- Graduation from high school and seamless transition into post-secondary education
- Mentors help keep students in school.
- Students with mentors are more likely to pursue post-secondary education.
- Students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class.
- Mentors help with homework and can improve their mentees’ academic skills.
- Mentors help improve a young person’s self-esteem.
- Youth who meet regularly with their mentors are 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking, and 32% less likely to engage in fights.
- About 40% of a teenager’s waking hours are spent without companionship or supervision. Mentors provide teens with a valuable place to spend free time.
- Mentors teach young people how to relate well to all kinds of people and help them strengthen communication skills.
- Mentors instill confidence and build character.
- Mentors help young people set career goals and start taking steps to realize them.
- Mentors can use their personal contacts to help young people meet industry professionals, find internships and locate job possibilities.
- Mentors introduce young people to professional resources and organizations they may not know.
- Mentors can help their mentees learn how to seek and keep jobs.
- Mentoring creates community.
- Lynn and Leslie were matched for 10 years. Leslie is now at UC Berkeley majoring in Environmental Studies.
- Kent has been a mentor to 6 students and has been such a great mentor.
- Stephanie was a mentee who later went on to work for Mentor Me and is pursuing her sociology degree at SSU.
- Max is a recent grad and was featured on CBS SF’s Students Rising Above series.
If you would like to learn more and speak with staff, check out our Orientation sessions as well as our upcoming training dates here. Questions may be directed to mentorme@petalumapeople.org or 707.765-8488 ext 108.
Thank you and we look forward to connecting with you to support our young people in achieving their highest potential!