Numerous studies provide powerful evidence that caring adults can positively influence youth. As role models, mentors demonstrate the tangible rewards of completing an education and the responsibility and benefits of being a productive member of society. The individual attention provided by a mentor can introduce a child to new interests, talents and opportunities; improve school performance; and reduce the rate of school drop-out, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.

Most importantly, a mentor provides reliability in a child’s life. A mentor is a positive, adult role model who can help build and maintain a consistent and trusting relationship with a child. This invaluable relationship is something a child will carry with him or her for the rest of his or her life.

What Do We Do?

General Mentoring

Our mentors volunteer in several categories, including General Mentoring, Foster Care, LGBT Youth, and Workplace Mentoring. Read on to learn about our programs:

Career Readiness

Through our Career Days and Workplace Mentoring program, young people receive guidance and mentoring through structured activities, job shadowing, skills-based mentoring, and educational initiatives. Learn more.

Financial Education

Our Financial Education Initiative helps young people learn more about financial basics and navigate the fundamentals of personal finance, and encourages personal financial responsibility. Learn more.

Goal-Setting and Academic Support

This core program component focuses on improving mentees’ self-efficacy, combatting school dropout, and helping mentees make the connection between their current school experience and the outcomes they can achieve later in life. Learn more.

Healthy Lifestyles and Self-Esteem

This program focuses on developing good exercise habits, nutrition and healthy lifestyles knowledge and awareness, and improved self-esteem. Learn more.

Respecting Self and Others

One of the most impactful ways mentors can influence mentees is by modeling positive behaviors that help them learn to respect themselves and others. Learn more.

Where Are We?

Mentoring USA is currently supporting programs in the following places:

  • New York City, NY
  • Newark, NJ
  • Silver Spring, MD

Through the generous support of funders, we have served communities in:

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Houston, TX
  • Austin, TX
  • Louisville, KY
  • Chicago, IL
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Rome, NY