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Finding a Mentor Who Sticks

Where mentoring relationships actually form, and how to keep one going.

Who it's for
Youth / Young Adult, Outside Caregiver, Whole Family
Child / youth age
Ages 12–15
Geography
Local
Action type
Find Help
Reading time
About 4 min
Last verified
August 2026

What this is

Guidance on identifying and maintaining a mentoring relationship for a young person.

Why it matters

One consistent adult outside the household is repeatedly associated with better outcomes for young people.

What you should know

  • Mentors are often already nearby: coaches, program staff, employers, faith leaders, and teachers.
  • Structured programs screen and train mentors, which adds safety.
  • Short, regular contact beats long, rare contact.
  • It is fine to end a mentoring match that is not working.

Your next step

Name one adult the young person already trusts and one way to see them monthly.

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