Benefits of Mentoring
Independent studies show that one-to-one mentoring programs have significant positive effects on children. Of the children who participated in one such study, Big Brothers Big Sisters School-based Mentoring - An Evaluation Summary of Five Pilot Programs:
- 64% developed more positive attitudes toward school
- 64% developed higher levels of self-confidence
- 62% were more likely to trust their teachers
- 60% improved relationships with adults
- 58% achieved higher grades in social sciences, languages and math
- 56% improved relationships with peers
- 55% were better able to express their feelings
A 1995 Public/Private Ventures study of Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring friendships found that Little Brothers and Little Sisters who regularly met with their "Bigs" for one year were:
- 46% less likely than their peers to use illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to drink alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip a whole day of school
- 37% less likely to skip a class
The study also reported the youth were more trusting of their parents and guardians, less likely to lie to them, and felt more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends.
