The Positive Effects of Mentoring

There is no shortage of evidence – empirical and anecdotal – that mentoring contributes to success in the lives of young people. One study, for example, indicated two correlates for creative, achieving adults: the development of goals early in life; and having good mentor(s) (Yamada & Tam, 1996. “Prediction study of adult creative achievement: Torrance's longitudinal study of creativity revisited.” Journal of Creative Behavior.)

James Heckman, University of Chicago economist and Nobel Prize winner, says, “These mentoring programs have a big effect…in having children go to school, keeping them in school, and promoting their absorption into society as full-functioning healthy members.”

Mentoring has been shown to have substantial positive effects in these areas:

• school performance
• higher grades (GPA)
• fewer skipped classes
• fewer absences
• feelings of competence in doing schoolwork
• decreased incidence of drug and alcohol use
• decreased incidence of violent behavior
• improved peer relationships
• improved family relationships

(Tierney et al, 1995. “ Making a Difference: An Impact
Study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.” Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures.)

Another study indicates that the longer the mentoring relationship, the better the outcome; that youth benefit more if mentors maintain frequent contact and know their families; and that supervision of the match is associated with close mentoring relationships (Jekielek et al, 2002. “Mentoring: A promising strategy for youth development.” Child Trends Research Brief.)

Mentoring is a commitment that requires that you give of yourself. This is not always easy. But it can have profound rewards for the young person you mentor, as well as for you.