Mentoring creates powerful connections between adults and young people that help both grow. When adults mentor youth, it helps young people do better in school, feel happier, and make better choices. It also helps them develop a strong sense of who they are and where they belong in their community.
Research shows that 40% of young people grow up without ever having a mentor, even though 67% remember needing one. Adults who mentor also benefit greatly - they find more purpose in life, learn new skills, have fun experiences, and feel more satisfied with their jobs and communities. Mentoring works because it provides flexible, long-term support that can address many different needs at once.
The organization MENTOR works to expand access to mentoring programs so more young people can have these life-changing relationships. Studies prove that 75% of Americans who had mentors growing up say those relationships were major contributors to their success in life.