A matter of trust.
Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and a constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care and want to help young people bring out strengths that are already there. A mentor is not a foster parent, therapist, parole officer or peer.
- Improving young people’s attitudes toward their parents, peers and teachers;
- Encouraging students to stay motivated and focused on their education;
- Providing a positive way for young people to spend free time;
- Helping young people face daily challenges; and
- Offering young people opportunities to consider new career paths and acquire much-needed economic skills and knowledge.
Copied directly from Mentoring.org (http://www.mentoring.org), published by the National Mentoring Partnership, covers issues on youth mentoring.