Mentors Always Help

The importance of mentors for boys and young men cannot be overstated. While mentors are not the panacea for the myriad challenges facing young males, they invariably provide significant benefits. The sheer scale of the need—20 million mentors—is daunting, and there is a lack of quantitative evidence directly linking mentorship to academic success or college admissions for boys. Nonetheless, for each individual boy, a mentor can make a profound difference. As highlighted in our mentor story this month, mentors always help.

Consider the story of Julie Coates and Ralph. Julie began mentoring Ralph while he was incarcerated. Once released, Ralph expressed a desire to attain his GED or, ideally, his high school diploma. Julie advised him to obtain his transcript and determine his educational standing. To Ralph’s surprise, he discovered that he had actually completed high school in 2006, a fact his school had failed to communicate to him. Upon confirming this with the school, Ralph’s prospects brightened significantly.

With his newfound high school diploma, Ralph secured a job at a higher wage, earning $5 an hour more than he would have without the diploma. Although he had lost approximately $20,000 in wages over the years due to the oversight, his future earnings potential increased substantially. This single intervention by a mentor exemplifies the transformative impact mentorship can have. Julie’s guidance not only clarified Ralph’s educational status but also directly improved his financial outlook and self-esteem.

Mentors provide more than just academic guidance; they offer emotional support, life skills, and a sense of direction. For many boys and young men, especially those facing adversity, having a mentor can be the difference between success and failure. Mentors help young men navigate complex life choices, set goals, and develop the resilience needed to overcome challenges. They can also open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.

The relationship between a mentor and mentee often extends beyond academic or professional advice. It involves building trust, offering encouragement, and fostering a sense of accountability. These elements are crucial in helping young men build confidence and develop a positive self-image. In an environment where they might lack positive role models, mentors serve as pillars of support and inspiration.

While mentors may not be the ultimate solution to the Boys’ Crisis, they unequivocally make a positive impact on individual lives. The story of Julie and Ralph underscores the tangible benefits mentorship can bring, transforming not just career prospects but overall life trajectories. Mentors always help, and their influence can resonate long after the mentoring relationship has ended, paving the way for a brighter, more promising future for boys and young men.