National Mentoring Month, celebrated every January, is a dedicated time to recognize the invaluable impact of mentoring in shaping the lives of individuals- especially young people who are returning to their communities after being in the justice system. This month-long observance not only acknowledges the efforts of mentors but also highlights the importance of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of National Mentoring Month, explore its history and discuss the profound benefits of mentorship including a Q&A with one of our own mentors, Stephen Kaplan.
The Origin of National Mentoring Month: National Mentoring Month was established in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the power of mentoring and encourage individuals to become mentors. Over the years, it has gained widespread support from various organizations, communities and government agencies, making January a time to celebrate the positive influence of mentorship.
The Impact of Mentorship for Young People returning to their Communities:
- Personal Growth: Mentoring plays a crucial role in personal development. A mentor provides guidance, support, and encouragement, helping mentees navigate challenges and make informed decisions. This one-on-one relationship fosters confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.
- Building Strong Community: National Mentoring Month emphasizes the role of mentoring in building strong, interconnected communities. As individuals grow through mentorship, they contribute positively to their communities, creating a
ripple effect of support, understanding and collaboration. - Educational Success: For students, mentorship is a powerful tool for educational success. Mentors can provide academic guidance, instill a love for learning, and inspire a passion for various fields. The impact of mentoring on academic achievement is profound, creating a pathway for future success.
In 2020, we added mentors to our Center for Improving Youth Justice scholarship program.These mentors help our scholarship recipients navigate the transition to college, balance homework with jobs and family, develop goals, explore hobbies and figure out who they want to be. Our two mentors have lived the transition from facility life to college and advanced degrees. They talk/text with their mentees several times a month and have visited at least once in person. They have proven to be invaluable to their mentees. Thank you, Stephen Kaplan and Jaclyn Cirinna!
Click here to read our Q&A with CIYJ’s mentor, Stephen Kaplan.