Definition: "Mentoring is a structured, one-to-one relationship or partnership that focuses on the needs of the young people being mentored; fosters caring and supportive relationships, and encourages individuals to develop to their fullest potential. A mentor is a trusted guide and friend who is generally more senior in age and experience to the mentee. A mentor is a positive role model who provides access to people, places and things outside the mentee's customary environment. The mentoring relationship serves a vital role in helping young people develop important life skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, and long-range planning. By being active listeners, mentors encourage young people to develop good social skills, responsible values, and a positive identity." The Mass Mentoring Partnership's Mentoring A-Z Training Manual

Statistics show that a young person who meets with a mentor is:

• 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 engage in a fight

National studies confirm that mentoring has many positive effects on students, including higher grades in school, improved behavior in school, a reduction in the use of illegal drugs and alcohol and improvement in self-confidence and personal skills.

Mentoring a young person is truly as simple as being a friend. Through consistent one-on-one relationships, mentors provide guidance and support to help young people reach their fullest potential.

Mentoring takes as little as one hour per week, but its impact lasts a lifetime. There are thousands of children in Palm Beach County waiting to be matched up with a mentor.

Having an adult mentor makes a big difference in the life of a child, especially providing the message that education is important. Every child deserves that, but not all children have access to an adult role model.