Be a Mentor
Expanding youth mentoring in Memphis has been a top priority for Grizzlies Foundation since its inception in 2004, because extensive research has shown that youth who have adult mentors, whether a parent, teacher, coach, religious leader or other role model, have far greater likelihood of succeeding no matter their personal circumstances. Academic achievement, good decision-making skills, resistance to gang involvement and drugs, and aspirations for higher education are among the documented results.
The Grizzlies Foundation is focused on getting individuals and organizations from across the Mid-South interested and engaged in mentoring young people. By hosting special events, initiating a broad-based marketing campaign, and creating partnerships with businesses, nonprofit, faith-based and civic organizations, many more youth will have mentors offering them guidance and support to the benefit of each young person and to the city as a whole.
Why is Mentoring Important?
Research has shown that a young person who has a mentor is more likely to:
- Improve self-esteem.
- Stay in school: Currently 4,000 students drop out each year.
- Improve academic and social skills: Currently 1/3 of 8th graders in TN scored below basic levels in math and reading, nearly 1/2 scored below in science.
- Feel encouraged to develop positive behaviors, attitudes and ambitions.
Benefits for Mentors
Studies have shown that adults who are mentors benefit personally as well from the relationship.
Benefits cited by adults who mentor include: improved health and self-esteem; insight into one’s own childhood or children; public recognition; and enriching mentors’ family life, e.g., when mentees provide support and companionship to the mentors’ children.
Another study of a nationally representative sample of mentors found that three-quarters of the mentors surveyed felt that mentoring provided a break from their busy professional lives and a chance to give something back. Eighty-three percent indicated that they learned or gained something personally from their mentoring experience, including feeling that they were a better person, increased patience, friendship, a feeling of effectiveness, and a chance to acquire skills.
