The Importance of Mentors

Now that you're "all grown up," you can probably name an adult who had a positive influence in your life—your mentor. Think about how that relationship shaped you.

Many children, teens especially, need a mentor in their life to help them make decisions.

Research shows that these relationships have many positive benefits to the student. A 2002 Child Trends report titled "Mentoring Programs and Youth Development: A Synthesis" (opens new window) summarizes the benefits of mentoring relationships:

Positive academic outcomes
Prevention of youth risk behaviors
Enhanced social and mental development

ACT research shows that children of all ages rely on school relationships to reach educational goals. The roles a mentor plays in a person's life are many—friend, advisor, tutor and conscience.

Mentors for high school juniors and seniors can be especially important during the college planning cycle. These partnerships can provide a great deal of motivation, support and encouragement while a teen makes some big decisions about his or her future.