Impact of Mentoring

When youth feel like they matter, they thrive.

94% OF VERMONT YOUTH REFLECT THAT THEIR MENTOR MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE THEY MATTER.

95% OF VERMONT YOUTH REFLECT THAT HAVING A MENTOR HAS MADE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIFE.

According to MENTOR’s Who Mentored You? national study (2023), Americans attribute much of their success in life to their mentors. There are strong correlations between mentoring during childhood and increased sense of belonging and stronger mental health. The most meaningful forms of support from Americans’ mentors were building a sense of belonging, having fun together, solving problems together, exposing youth to new ideas, and helping youth build identity.

74% of those who had a meaningful mentor say that person contributed significantly to their later success in life.

85% of young people with a mentor say this key relationship has helped them with issues related to school and their education.

58% of young people say their mentor has supported their mental health.

60% of those under 40 years old are still drawing advice from their childhood mentors.

The impacts of mentoring are limitless and compounding.

Mentoring provides meaningful connections that influence life at home, work, and in the community for both youth and mentors. For youth, mentoring is linked to improvements in academic, social and economic prospects. For mentors, gains from mentoring are substantial – among them, achieving personal growth, improving self-esteem, and having fun!

Becoming a mentor is a chance to connect, inspire, and grow.

Learn more about the widespread benefits of mentoring from leading mentoring researchers and experts in the field by clicking below: