National Mentoring Month
National Mentoring Month – Inspire the Next Generation
National Mentoring Month is an annual observance established in 2002 by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and Harvard TH School of Public Health. This campaign raises awareness about the critical need for mentors in society and encourages people to become mentors to young people.
Key Facts About National Mentoring Month
| Event | National Mentoring Month |
|---|---|
| Date | 1-31 January (annually) |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership & Harvard TH School of Public Health |
| Purpose | To raise awareness about mentoring and recruit mentors for young people |
| Associated Hashtags | #MentoringMonth #MentorshipMatters #YouthEmpowerment #BeAMentor |
Why Mentoring Matters
- Improves School Attendance: Students who meet regularly with mentors are 52% less likely to skip school and 37% less likely to skip a class
- Increases Higher Education Enrollment: Young adults with mentors are 55% more likely to be enrolled in college
- Reduces Risky Behaviours: Mentored youth are 46% less likely to use illegal drugs and 27% less likely to drink
- Boosts Extracurricular Engagement: 81% more likely to participate in sports and extracurricular activities
- Improves Mental Health: Reduces depressive symptoms and provides emotional support
- Provides Guidance: Offers educational and career guidance for young people’s future success
The Three Campaign Goals
- Raise Awareness: Promote understanding of mentoring in its various forms
- Recruit Mentors: Recruit individuals to mentor, especially in programs with waiting lists
- Grow Mentoring: Recruit organisations to engage constituents in mentoring initiatives
How to Get Involved in National Mentoring Month
- Become a Mentor: Sign up with local mentoring organisations or national programs
- Find a Mentor: Check if there is a Mentoring Partnership in your area
- Support Local Initiatives: Attend local events and fundraisers for mentoring programs
- Share Your Story: Post about mentoring on social media using #MentoringMonth
- Donate: Support mentoring organisations financially if able
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is National Mentoring Month?
National Mentoring Month is an annual campaign held in January to celebrate and promote mentoring relationships between youth and adults.
Who should become a mentor?
Anyone can be a mentor. You don’t need special qualifications – just a willingness to support and guide a young person on their journey.
How can I find a mentoring program?
Contact MENTOR directly or search for mentoring partnerships in your local area. Many organisations offer structured mentoring programs.
What impact does mentoring have?
Research shows mentoring has significant positive effects on education, mental health, and life prospects of young people.
Future Dates for National Mentoring Month
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 January | 31 January |
| 2026 | 1 January | 31 January |
| 2027 | 1 January | 31 January |
| 2028 | 1 January | 31 January |
| 2029 | 1 January | 31 January |
Popular Hashtags for National Mentoring Month
- #MentoringMonth
- #MentorshipMatters
- #YouthEmpowerment
- #BeAMentor
- #MentoringWorks
