Benefits of Mentoring
Mentors show children a different view, expose them to unexplored opportunities, and teach them to build trust. The proof is in the results: Youth who regularly meet with a mentor are 52 percent less likely than peers to skip school and 46 percent less likely to use drugs, according to a study by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.
Just one hour a week can help a child become
- 52% less likely to skip a day of school
- 37% less likely to skip a class
- 46% less likely to start using drugs
- 27% less likely to start drinking
- 33% less likely to hit someone
(Statistics provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters)
There are some Important Questions for Parents and Youth when considering a mentoring program. Below is a partial list of questions parents and youth may want to ask before enrolling in a mentoring program. Feel free to ask any additional questions not listed here.
- What are the eligibility requirements for youth in the program?
- Where does the mentor meet with my child?
- How often do mentors and youth meet?
- How long will it take before my child is matched with a mentor?
- How are mentors evaluated for this program?
- What background screening methods are used for mentors?
- How do you decide which mentor is paired with my child?
- What information will you share with me about my child’s mentor?
- What are my and my child’s responsibilities in the mentoring relationship?
- What are examples of activities the mentor and my child will participate in together?