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A mentor is someone who has found ways to succeed in life and cares enough to pass those lessons along. The good news is that mentoring works! Youth who participate in mentoring relationships experience positive academic and social returns including:
- Better attendance
- Better chance of going on to higher education
- Better attitudes toward school
- Reduction in some negative youth behaviors
- Improved Self-esteem
Mentoring has shown to lead young people to resources they might not find on their own and can provide support for new behaviors, attitudes & ambitions.
Youth who meet regularly with mentors are**:
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin drinking alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 33% less likely to hit someone
**Making a Difference, An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Public Private Ventures, 1995.
Children are not the only ones whose lives can be changed by mentoring. For many mentors, the rewards of reaching out to another person and building a close, trusting relationship are great, including an increase in personal enrichment, happiness, and self-knowledge.
Just 4 hours each month can make an incredible difference in the life of an at-risk youth.
Mentor Responsibilities
- Commit to mentoring a student for four years of high school
- Meet with your mentee for at least four hours each month
- Participate regularly in SMP events
- Participate in SMP mentor skill building opportunities
- Communicate with your mentee at least once a week (i.e. phone, text, email, Facebook, etc.), in addition to your monthly meetings
- Encourage successful academic habits and strategies
- Encourage responsible behaviors
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