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MOWER COUNTY MENTORING PROGRAM
connects caring mentors with young people to provide guidance, support, and meaningful connections that inspire growth and success.
MISSION
The mission of the Mower County Mentoring Program is to positively impact the lives of young people by providing adult support and learning opportunities that promote character development and life-enhancing values through meaningful connections.
VISION
Mower County Mentoring Program envisions a community in which every youth experiences nurturing one-to-one relationships and community support, which in turn allows each of them to develop into their full potential, capable of making informed, responsible decisions as involved members of our community.
WHY MENTORING?
Think about someone who made a difference in your life. Was it a teacher who stayed after school to help you, even when you weren’t in their class? Or maybe a first boss who taught you the importance of showing up on time and asking for help when needed? Whether you realized it or not, these individuals were acting as mentors—guiding, encouraging, and supporting you along the way.
At its heart, mentoring ensures that young people have someone who believes in them, supports them through challenges, and reminds them that they matter. Research shows that strong mentoring relationships can positively impact a young person’s personal growth, academic success, and future career opportunities.
For a mentee, having a mentor means having someone to talk to, learn from, and lean on. It’s a chance to build confidence, gain new experiences, and develop important life skills with the guidance of a trusted adult. A mentor can offer encouragement, help set goals, and be a reliable source of support through life’s ups and downs.
Mentoring can also fit naturally into your life—it doesn’t always mean planning something new or elaborate. You can invite your mentee to join in on things you’re already doing, like running errands, walking your dog, cooking dinner, or attending community events. It’s the time and connection that matter most.
1 in 3 young people grow up without this critical support. Through the Mower County Mentoring Program, we can change that—one mentor, one mentee, and one meaningful connection at a time.
If this sounds like something you’d love to be a part of, consider joining the Mower County Mentoring Program today!
WHO CAN BE A MENTOR?
Mentoring is flexible and relationship-based. Any adult who has time and a sincere desire to be involved in a young person’s life can be a mentor.
There is no one-size-fits-all mold—mentors can come from all walks of life and participate in a variety of ways, depending on their availability and interests. What matters most is a commitment to showing up and building trust.
Mentors are not meant to replace parents, guardians, or teachers, nor are they expected to act as disciplinarians or decision makers. Instead, they serve as consistent, caring adults who help encourage positive choices, promote high self-esteem, support academic achievement, and introduce new ideas and perspectives.
WHO CAN HAVE A MENTOR?
A mentee is a young person who is eager to learn, grow, and build a positive connection with a trusted adult. Mentees are typically youth who could benefit from additional support, encouragement, and guidance in areas such as academics, social skills, and personal development. No special requirements—just a willingness to engage, learn, and build a meaningful mentoring relationship!
Mentoring provides a consistent supportive adult in the life of the mentee. For young people who lack support, having a mentor means having a trusted adult they can turn to when they need it.
Research shows that mentored youth are less likely to begin using alcohol or drugs, skip school, or fight. They report feeling better about schoolwork, show gains in performance and get along better with parents and peers.