We believe you matter
Whether you're a volunteer, teacher, coach, or co-worker, you have the potential to build positive mentoring relationships with the young people you interact with—and MENTOR New York is here to help.
We work to fuel the quality and quantity of youth mentorship opportunities by providing expert training, guidance, and customized program support. Our vision is to create community-focused mentoring relationships wherever young New Yorkers live, learn, work, and play. Join us in empowering the next generation to thrive!
So, what is a mentor?
Mentors are caring adults who provide emotional support, encouragement, and friendship to a young person. Many of us have had a teacher, supervisor, or coach who made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles during the course of a relationship and share some basic qualities: • A sincere desire to be involved with a young person • Respect for young people • Active listening skills • Empathy • Ability to see solutions and opportunities • Flexibility Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Above all, a good mentor is willing to take the time to get to know their mentee and learn new things that are important to the young person.
Mentoring Impact
Quality mentoring relationships have positive effects on young people in many personal, academic, and professional situations. Yet, at least one in three young New Yorkers will grow up without this critical asset. We call this the "mentoring gap," and we're on a mission to close it.