Why are Young People Encouraged to Have Mentors?

A mentor can have a significant impact on a young person’s life. Statistics show mentors for young people help increase graduation rates, inspire them to form healthier relationships and lead them to better career and education trajectories. Big Brothers Big Sisters near me can help youngsters achieve higher levels of success.

This article will further explain the importance of mentors in a youth’s life.

What are the Benefits of Having a Mentor?

Young people with mentors have been shown to demonstrate:

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• Increased high school graduation rates
• Lower high school dropout rates
• Healthier relationships with parents, teachers, and peers.
• A lower risk of developing substance abuse issues
• Improved behavior in professional and personal settings
• Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
• Higher college enrollment and better career and educational aspirations
• Better attitudes toward school

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A 1995 study of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program found mentored youths received

higher grades than their unmentored peers. It also revealed our mentoring program

decreased the likelihood of drug and alcohol use and decreased violent behavior.

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Mentoring young people can also provide the following emotional benefits:

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• It Provides Consistency: Many youths need mentorship because they don’t have consistency in their lives due to an absent parent or the lack of a stable home life. Mentorship provides the consistency they need.

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• It Promotes a Sense of Acceptance: Mentorship provides a safe space where youths can share their ideas and feel accepted for who they are.

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• It Supports Growth: Mentors should be accepting of mentees while encouraging them to grow and achieve life goals. They should inspire them to problem solve and make choices that will guide them on a positive path.

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What are Different Types of Mentorship?

Mentors can take the role of:

• A role model
• A supporter
• A policy enforcer
• An advocate
• A friend

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Mentoring relationships can be formal or informal. A 2005 study showed that 71% of

youths are mentored informally while 29% receive formal mentorship. Organizations

that provide mentorship may have clear goals and structures, while others are looser

and more flexible.

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Varying Focus

The focus on mentorship can also vary. It generally falls into one of two categories as

follows:

• Instrumental: This topic-focused mentoring encourages the young person to reach a specific goal. For example, it can motivate the youth to prepare for a career, achieve academic success, or avoid drug use.

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• Psychosocial: Psychosocial mentoring is more open-ended. It focuses on overall positive youth development.

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Mentorship can also be categorized as:

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• Developmental: Developmental mentorship is fluid and flexible based on the youth’s needs and interests.

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• Prescriptive: Prescriptive mentorship follows defined goals and expectations. 

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One-on-one and Group Mentoring

Mentoring can also occur in one-on-one or group settings. When mentoring occurs in group settings, programs are encouraged to integrate a low mentee-to-mentor ratio. For example, there may be one mentor mentoring four youths or three mentors mentoring ten youths.

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What is the Purpose of Mentoring?

Mentoring typically targets at-risk youth groups including:

• Homeless youths
• Youths in foster care
• Disabled youths
• Youths who lack parental guidance if a parent is incarcerated or in the military
• Youths who have been involved in criminal activity
• Children of first- or second-generation immigrants
• Pregnant youths and teen parents

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However, mentorship can also be ideal for youths considering a specific career

trajectory or educational goal.

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What to Look for in a Youth Mentor

A youth mentor should have the following qualities:

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• A Good Listener: A mentor should listen to their mentees so they can fully

understand their situations and the problems they face. Doing so will help them recommend a path that guides the youth to success.

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• An Optimistic Outlook: Mentors should never discourage youth or fail to take their ideas seriously. They should encourage mentees to follow their dreams and tell them anything is possible. Mentors should also suggest ways for youths to make their dreams a reality.

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• A Collaborative Approach: Mentors should think with mentees, not for them. They should empower youths to think for themselves and find the best solutions for their problems. Mentors should encourage youth to build the skills they need to make the right decisions.

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• Offer a Safe, Judgement-Free Environment: Youths should never feel like they

will be judged or criticized for voicing their opinions or discussing their goals and dreams. A mentor should promote a safe environment where the mentee feels comfortable expressing themselves. Many mentees face challenges and adversity in their lives, so a judgment-free atmosphere is imperative.

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• See Mentoring as a Learning Experience: The mentor is supposed to teach the

mentee, but, in truth, the mentor will learn a lot along the way. They should open their minds to the experience. This type of mutual learning will enhance the relationship.

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How to Find a Youth Mentorship Program

• Research Youth Mentoring Programs in Your Community: Go online and ask

around to find out about youth mentoring programs in your community. Consider groups, one-on-one programs, and online options to find the right choice.

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• Consider Your Networks: In some instances, a mentor may be within your social network. They may be a grandparent, neighbor, or community member. Your mentor may be closer than you realize.

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• Reach Out to Colleges and Universities: College students may be willing to

provide mentorship services. Troubled youths will feel comfortable talking to

someone close to their age group.

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• Consider Community Activities: Consider enrolling the youth in a community or volunteer program. These programs are often led by community members who can double as mentors.

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• Talk to Afterschool Activity Advisors: These advisors are already familiar with 

the youth’s interests. They may guide you toward a mentorship program suited to your needs.

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Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada

Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 50 years of experience mentoring youth. We offer one-on-one mentorship opportunities that have allowed mentees to reach their full potential. Our program has been shown to encourage youth to become more confident, have better relationships, and lead a better life trajectory. Contact us to learn more about the importance of mentorship and our comprehensive service.

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