Adolescence is one of the most important and transformative stages of life- a stage characterized by emotional growth, identity growth, and the quest for independence. It is also a time of great vulnerability to the pressures of academics, interpersonal relationships, changing self-concept, and the whole daunting task of visualizing the future. This is a time when the presence of a trusted guide is helpful and even mandatory.
Teen mentorship programs in this time provide an important stabilizing influence. The youth are not simply engaged in school work, but are in the process of forming a concept of who they are and where they fit in the scheme of things. A mentor, therefore, can inspire assurance, insight, and stability when everything else is in a vague state of unreality. According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, youth who have a mentor are 52% more likely to attend school regularly, and 46% less likely to use chemical substances. These statistics reflect not only behavioral results, but also the greater emotional and psychological scaffolding that mentoring provides.
More than giving advice, mentors typically serve as models for resiliency, compassion, and purpose and accountability- qualities that the adolescent internalizes in the developmental process. Often, these relationships develop into long-term and even life-long relationships of support and relatedness. Teen mentorship programs build a milieu of feeling seen and heard, and validated in one’s use of potential and of goals. In the world, which can be so overwhelming and fast-moving, the mentor is more often than not one who says, “You can do this,” and means it.
The Spectrum of Mentorship
The academic foundation of mentoring enhances the capabilities of the teenager into the classroom and prepares them for university. A study made and published in the Official Journal of Child Development states that mentored teenagers show more desirable social-emotional results, enjoy a fuller measure of associated life with adults, and have greater confidence in their power to succeed than those who are not mentored.
Teen mentorship programs foster empathy and help students develop strong, compassionate leadership skills. Professional mentorship offers significant benefits by guiding teens through career exploration and helping them make informed choices about their futures. Athletic mentorship instills discipline, perseverance, and teamwork- qualities often cultivated through sports that translate well beyond the field. Each of these forms of mentorship plays a vital role in shaping the adolescent experience.
Programs like the NASA High School Internship provide teens with early exposure to real-world careers in science, technology, and engineering- offering a hands-on glimpse into professional environments that inspire lifelong ambition and purpose.
The ETC Foundation’s Story
The Edward Taylor Coombs (ETC) Foundation is one of the many examples of teen mentorship programs. It was established to carry on the legacy of a young leader who was a vibrant individual whose life was cut tragically short. Edward was a talented student athlete who exhibited leadership, compassion, and charisma. In his honor, the foundation empowers youth via academic and athletic scholarships, development in leadership, as well as responsible decision-making workshops.
Since 2012, the ETC Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to over 100 students across the country to assist them in attaining higher education and growing into the next generation of change makers.
Through events like the annual Golf Outing and partnerships with organizations such as AIM Academy (which specializes in supporting neurodivergent learners), the ETC Foundation helps eliminate financial barriers while also promoting personal growth, character development, and resilience. Its mentorship efforts extend beyond traditional guidance by offering life skills workshops, career preparation, and opportunities for personal storytelling, all designed to support the holistic development of teens.
Transformative Stories
Teen mentorship programs are not simply about the structure- they’re about the people who bring them to life. The stories from the ETC scholars show how transformative it can be to have the right kind of support at the right time. Whether a student being taught focus by a coach in sports, or a scholarship winner who realizes their own personal potential through the leadership course facilitated by the ETC Foundation, these successes are huge personal stories.
One of the success stories comes from Jacob Long, a childhood friend of Edward Coombs who has been a supporter of the foundation for many years now. Not only is he honoring Edward’s legacy as a supporter of events, but he is indicative of the legacy of the long-term benefits of mentoring: “They’re just trying to help kids do what Eddie got to do. I’m just so glad the legacy is carrying on and they’re able to help a lot of kids.”
Outside of ETC, teen mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) are receiving results that carry similar findings. BBBS Long Island states that teens in those programs show better school attendance and self-esteem as well as better relations with peers and adults. These findings are startlingly similar to what ETC has experienced in its own scholars. Teen mentorship programs foster that grit, gratitude, and goal setting.
Final Thoughts: How You Can Help
Teen mentorship programs like those that are operated by ETC or Big Brother Big Sisters (BBBS) flourish because of community participation. Whether you are a professional wanting to impart your knowledge, a former student wishing to repay a debt with service, or a parent wishing for a better life for all children, there is a niche for you to fill in the mentoring community. Teen mentorship programs does not always mean formal meetings or long-term commitments. It can be something as small as a chance conversation, the sharing of experiences, or a word of encouragement that will give lasting values to children. By taking upon ourselves the mentoring role or by helping others who are so engaged, we are working towards the turning out of a generation of thoughtful, resilient, and inspired leaders.
The outer reach of mentoring is more than just one scholar. Together, we can help teens reach their fullest potentials with teen mentorship programs. One mentoring experience, one moment, and one future at a time.
