Why Mentoring
Mentoring ensures that young people have at least one consistent, trusting adult in their lives to help them navigate daily challenges, make positive decisions, feel cared for, and know that someone is cheering them on. Research shows that mentoring is one of the biggest protective factors in positive youth development, reducing the risk of negative self-esteem, poor academics, and risky behaviors. Ultimately, mentoring works because it gives young people the opportunity to grow and thrive under the guidance of an intentional adult to youth relationship.
Youth Who Have Mentors Are:
Mentoring ensures that young people have at least one consistent, trusting adult in their lives to help them navigate daily challenges, make positive decisions, feel cared for, and know that someone is cheering them on. Research shows that mentoring is one of the biggest protective factors in positive youth development, reducing the risk of negative self-esteem, poor academics, and risky behaviors. Ultimately, mentoring works because it gives young people the opportunity to grow and thrive under the guidance of an intentional adult to youth relationship.
(*https://www.mentoring.org/mentoring-impact/)
(*https://www.mentoring.org/mentoring-impact/)
What Makes Mentoring Work
Individualized Attention- BEST Kids matches every individual youth with one mentor. Our one-on-one model provides mentees with undivided attention, intentional conversations, and sustainable support from their mentor.
Long-Lasting Relationships- Mentors are in it for the long haul. Unlike other adult-youth relationships that may end after a school year or sports season, mentoring continues on a daily, year long basis- if not longer. At BEST Kids, mentors are required to mentor for at least one year; however, the relationships typically last far longer than that, with an average match length of 1.8 years.
Holistic Approach- Because they aren't assigned to one area of a youth's lives, mentors are able to be present in every decision, life event, and experience their mentee goes through. Whether it's applying to college, dealing with peer pressure, or learning a new hobby, mentors have the opportunity to coach a young person through whatever life throw's their way.
Long-Lasting Relationships- Mentors are in it for the long haul. Unlike other adult-youth relationships that may end after a school year or sports season, mentoring continues on a daily, year long basis- if not longer. At BEST Kids, mentors are required to mentor for at least one year; however, the relationships typically last far longer than that, with an average match length of 1.8 years.
Holistic Approach- Because they aren't assigned to one area of a youth's lives, mentors are able to be present in every decision, life event, and experience their mentee goes through. Whether it's applying to college, dealing with peer pressure, or learning a new hobby, mentors have the opportunity to coach a young person through whatever life throw's their way.
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My mentor helps me out a lot, and I thank him for being there for me. Like when I was down and stuff, he helped cheer me up. ...I had experiences when my friends said they would be there [for me], but they never were. I know full fact that Craig will always be there if I needed him.
-Elijah, BEST Kids Mentee
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Learn more about the power of mentoring through Craig and Elijah's story:
