Mentoring makes a positive difference in the life of a child by developing the support youth need in meeting the social, emotional and academic challenges of childhood and adolescence.

According to the National Mentoring Partnership, children who have a mentor are:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs.
• 59% more likely to get better grades.
• 73% more likely to raise their goals.

According to Big Brothers Big Sisters, children receiving school-based mentoring:

• 64% developed more positive attitudes towards school.
• 58% achieved higher grades.
• 60% improved relationships with adults.
• 56% improved relationships with peers.
• 55% were better able to express their feelings.
• 64% developed high levels of self-confidence.
• 62% were more likely to trust their teachers.
• 77% of teachers, parents and volunteers involved in the pilot programs reported increases in students’ self-confidence

• Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is the premier mentoring organization in South Florida, matching children 5-16 years old with caring adults. BBBS provides a variety of mentoring opportunities to our volunteers, including BIGS in School, where elementary school students are matched with high school, college, or adults and meet once a week at the child's school. BBBS also provides an opportunity for busy professionals to serve as mentors by participating in our School to Work, where high school students are paired with workplace mentors to gain insight about corporate life, college preparation, and mentoring in general. For more information log on to www.BBBS.org.                                   

• Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships, advocacy and mentors for deserving students.  Students must maintain good grades, be upstanding citizens and meet with their mentors.  In exchange they receive a scholarship to attend a State University or College for up to four years. For more information log on to www.takestockinchildren.org

• The Listeners/Oyentes Program trains volunteers to listen to a student with the purpose of building their positive self-esteem,  helping develop good problem-solving skills along with constructive communication.  This non-judgmental, non-authoritative  adult volunteer accomplishes this without giving advice.  Volunteers for this program will need to attend a day training and ongoing monthly workshops. For more information on the Listeners/Oyentes Program log on to: www.listenersprogram.org.

• The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program empowers, inspires, and motivates young women to live up to their full potential through a unique mentoring program given by highly accomplished professional women and scholarship opportunities.  WOT Mentees graduate from high school at close to a 90% rate compared to county wide high school graduation rates that hover around 60%.” For more information on enrolling you child in the WOT program log on to www.womenoftomorrow.org.

For information on mentoring opportunities in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, please contact Ms. Patricia Lee, Staff Specialist, Office of Community Services at (305) 995-7317 or by email plee1@dadeschools.net.