Mentorship Matters: Highlighting Need for Mentoring Relationships in Our Communities

WASHINGTON, DC — This month, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) joined Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) in introducing a resolution recognizing January as National Mentoring Month.

Established in January of 2002, Youth Mentoring Month celebrates the powerful impact of mentoring relationships and raises awareness about the increased need for caring adults to become mentors in their communities.

There are currently 9 million young people in the United States feeling isolated from meaningful connections with adults outside their homes, resulting in a ‘‘mentoring gap.” Mentors provide youth with the support, encouragement, and guidance they need to succeed through academic and personal challenges.

Studies show that mentors play a significant role in helping young people attend school regularly, find meaningful participation in extracurricular activities and sports, graduate high school, as well as prepare them for their post-secondary goals.

“We all need someone in our corner, but too many young people are making choices and decisions every day without the support of an adult,” said Rep Scanlon. “Whether it be through a classroom, an arts program, or a local youth sports team, mentors can provide young people with the guidance and encouragement they need to find success and realize their full potential.”

“Mentorship can be one of the single greatest gifts given to a young person to help them grow, thrive, and succeed throughout their life,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce a resolution in Congress to recognize January 2021 as ‘National Mentoring Month’ for all the mentors who selflessly devote themselves to guiding the next generation of Americans onto the path of leading healthy, fulfilling lives.”

The National Mentoring Month Resolution would promote the creation and expansion of quality mentoring programs and support initiatives to close the ‘‘mentoring gap.”

This resolution is endorsed by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.

A copy of the resolution can be found here: https://scanlon.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-117hres33ih.pdf