The Growing Demand for Youth Mentors: A Call to Action for African and Caribbean Communities

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of youth mentoring in promoting positive outcomes for young people. Studies have consistently shown that having a caring, supportive adult mentor can help youth develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills, improve academic performance, and reduce risk-taking behaviors (Rhodes & DuBois, 2008; DuBois et al., 2011).

This demand for youth mentors is particularly acute in African and Caribbean communities, where young people often face unique challenges and barriers to success. According to a report by the National Mentoring Partnership (2019), African American and Hispanic youth are significantly less likely than their white peers to have access to a formal mentor. This disparity is particularly concerning given the research showing that youth from these communities can benefit greatly from mentoring relationships.

A study by the University of Georgia found that African American youth who had a mentor were more likely to report positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes than those who did not have a mentor (Kupersmidt et al., 2017). Similarly, a study of Caribbean youth found that those who participated in a mentoring program showed significant improvements in their self-esteem, social skills, and academic performance (Dye et al., 2020).

Despite the clear benefits of youth mentoring, many parents and caregivers struggle to find suitable mentors for their children. A survey by the National Mentoring Resource Center (2021) found that nearly 40% of parents reported difficulty finding a mentor for their child, with African American and Hispanic parents reporting even greater challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, with many mentoring programs and services being disrupted or suspended due to social distancing requirements and other restrictions. This has left many young people without access to the support and guidance they need during a particularly challenging time.

As a community, we must come together to address this growing demand for youth mentors and ensure that every child has access to the support and guidance they need to thrive. This means investing in mentoring programs and services, particularly those that are culturally responsive and tailored to the unique needs of African and Caribbean youth.

It also means encouraging more adults to step up and become mentors, whether through formal programs or informal relationships. Research has shown that mentors do not need to be experts or have specific qualifications – they simply need to be caring, consistent, and committed to supporting young people (Rhodes & DuBois, 2008).

By working together to provide more mentoring opportunities for African and Caribbean youth, we can help build a brighter future for our communities and ensure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential. As the African proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." Let us be that village and provide the support and guidance our young people need to succeed.

References:

• DuBois, D. L., Portillo, N., Rhodes, J. E., Silverthorn, N., & Valentine, J. C. (2011). How effective are mentoring programs for youth? A systematic assessment of the evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12(2), 57-91.
• Dye, L., Burke, M. G., & Wright, C. (2020). The impact of a mentoring program on the academic and social-emotional outcomes of Caribbean youth. Journal of Black Psychology, 46(2-3), 140-165.
• Kupersmidt, J. B., Stelter, R. L., Rhodes, J. E., & Stump, K. N. (2017). Mentoring program practices as predictors of match longevity. Journal of Community Psychology, 45(5), 630-645.
• National Mentoring Partnership. (2019). The mentoring effect: Young people's perspectives on the outcomes and availability of mentoring.
• National Mentoring Resource Center. (2021). Mentoring in the wake of COVID-19: A survey of parents and caregivers.
• Rhodes, J. E., & DuBois, D. L. (2008). Mentoring relationships and programs for youth. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(4), 254-258.

​
Elaine Isadora Thomas, Founder Ceo, The Mentoring Lab

---