Facts on Mentoring
Dictionary.com defines the word mentor as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. Mentors act as a teacher to young people. In the United States, youth organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters provide mentors for children and teenagers. The National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR) reports 18 million youth in the United States would benefit from mentoring, yet only 3 million have one.
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History
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In 1904, Ernest Coulter formed Big Brothers. Ladies of Charity established Catholic Big Sisters near the same time. These two groups are generally recognized as the first two youth mentoring groups. In 1977, Big Brothers and Big Sisters merged to become Big Brothers Big Sisters America. In addition to private organizations, mentoring partnerships exist in more than 20 states and on the national level.
How Mentoring Benefits Youth
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MENTOR reports youth receive a variety of benefits from a relationship with a mentor. Mentored youth attend school more regularly and have a better chance of attending post-secondary school, are less likely to use illegal drugs and tend to set and achieve career goals more frequently.
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Who Mentoring Helps Most
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A Child's Trend Research Brief reports that at-risk youth receive the greatest benefit from having an adult mentor. Youths from families who provide little support that attend poorly performing public schools improved their school performance the most with a mentor, per the same study.
Requisite Qualities for Mentors
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Adults interested in mentoring should sincerely wish to spend time really getting to know a child or teenager, according to MENTOR. Other important qualities to possess are: empathy, strong listening skills, patience and an aptitude for problem solving. These skills will help both the mentor and mentee build a relationship.
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References
Resources
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