What are the benefits to students?
Students in mentoring relationships are less likely to:
- miss school
- consume illegal drugs
- engage in school violence, or
- take up alcohol.
Mentored students are more likely to:
- have higher GPAs
- go to college
- have positive relationships with parents and peers, and
- have a better attitude toward school, family, and careers.
Mentored students are more likely to say:
“I can do well in school” rather than “Why bother?”
“I can say no to drugs” rather than “everyone else is doing it, so I guess I will too.”
“I can go to college” rather than “College isn’t for students like me.”
What are the benefits to mentors? One hour of a mentor’s time each week pays dividends for lunch buddies for years to come.
Mentors have the opportunity to:
- Share valuable life and educational experiences with their buddy
- Teach their talent for drawing, frisbee-throwing, jewelry making, tetherball, or any other fortes they may have.
- Be responsible for a student saying “I can.”
- Learn more about the challenges facing today’s schools and students, and celebrate their successes.
- Be a positive role model