Mayor’s Mentoring Initiative

Mentoring programs provide an environment that encourages children to discover and cultivate their God-given talents and interests.  Having these programs readily available is essential to ensure an equal opportunity for school-aged children to explore their potential and succeed.  Mayor Steve Benjamin is dedicated to providing a positive environment for children through the efforts of mentors.  He believes these programs have a substantial and constructive impact on the Columbia community.  Mentoring programs provide essential resources for Midlands students.  Having a role model to look up to can steer children toward becoming successful citizens; they can provide an empathetic ear and good advice.  The presence of active, responsible adults in the lives of Columbia children will better the community.  In order to change the city for the better, everyone must do their part to provide our youth with the necessary opportunities to develop the interests and skills that will benefit them in adulthood.

The City of Columbia is committed to offering programs that ensure a good example for school children who need and deserve one.  A Ford Foundation study found that children with mentors are more likely to: get better grades, graduate from high school, enroll in college, and participate in community service. The California Mentor Foundation discovered that of children involved in mentoring programs: 98% stayed in school, 85% abstained.  These studies support the notion that mentors play a pivotal roll in a child’s development.  Mayor Benjamin encourages you to lend your time and influence to a mentoring program, it just may change a life.

If you are interested in finding out more on the mentoring opportunities and organizations in Columbia, please check out our 2011 Mentoring Directory.