Why is Mentoring Important to Young People

Youth mentoring makes a substantial, positive difference in the lives of

young people who need another caring adult in their lives. Study after

study has show mentoring helps kids in three critical areas:

 

                   Mentoring Helps Kids Avoid Risky Behavior:

•  46% are less likely to begin using drugs;  27%less likely to begin using alcohol

•  32% are less likely to hit someone; 47% of kids claimed mentoring helped “a lot” with  

  avoiding getting in trouble outside of school

•  45% of kids claimed mentoring helped “a lot” with avoiding smoking, drinking, drug use;

  25% claimed it helped “a lot” with avoiding sexual activity

 

Mentoring Helps Kids Improve Achievement in School:

•  52% are less likely to skip school; 48% claimed mentoring helped “a lot” with grades

•  More students are likely to graduate from High School; enroll in college 

•  52% like school more; 56% achieve better grades

 

Mentoring Helps Kids Improve Social Relationships & Feelings About Themselves:

•  62% claimed mentoring helped “a lot” with feeling better about themselves

•  More students are hopeful about their future

•  51% get along better with teachers; 48% get along better with parents or friends

•  Mentoring helps kids with social skills, which is highly related to school performance, and getting and keeping a job

•  37% reduced lying to a parent

•  More students are likely to get involved in

community service

 

A recent prevalence of mentoring research project by the Mentoring Partnership has documented that at present only 170,000 young people are currently being mentored—only one in three kids who need this support. 

 

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•  Analyzing the social return on investment in youth

mentoringprograms-handout from Mentoring

Partnership of Minnesota- www.Mentoringworks.org

•  Give Mentoring A Hand…A Strong Return On Investment

 

             

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Check Out These Websites:

  MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership   MENTOR gives a global look on mentoring resources. On this site you can find the latest research on mentoring theory, practice and programs AND... national statistics on youth mentoring, media outreach and public policy legislation and efforts.
  Research Corner- MENTOR   This is the research website at the national MENTOR organization.
  Search Institute   Search Institute provides many great trainings, services, and resources for building Developmental Assets in youth.
  Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration   MAVA helps advance the profession of volunteer management through leadership, advocacy and education.
  Children, Youth and Family Consortium   This organization offers resources that address critical health, education, and social policy concerns in ways that improve the well-being of Minnesota's children, youth, and families.
  Hands On Twin Cities   Hands On Twin Cities is the central source for volunteerism. The organization connects individuals and groups with meaningful opportunities to effectively serve and learn, mobilize and manage volunteers, provide leadership development opportunities and facilitate education on social issues.
  Kids Count Data/Annie E. Casey Foundation   The Kids Count Data is source of current statistics on the national and state-by-state indicators of child well-being
  The McKnight Foundation   The McKnight Foundation provides resources to help children and familiy initiatives in Minnesota.
  Youth Work Institute   The Minnesota Youth Work Institute, located at the University of Minnesota, supports the education, training, and professional development of adults who work with and on behalf of young people.