Mentorship Influences College and Post Secondary Aspirations

A recent Education Week article reported on a very interesting poll; mentors influence the college aspirations of today’s youth.   Since we are well into the start of a new year I will ask readers to reflect on the importance of this recent finding.  With college costs rising faster than interest rates, the importance of college selectivity rests on children being guided on their future path by their parents, friends, relatives and others that can offer them the seeds of self-actualization.  In a world where today’s’ youth are facing many challenges:  the systemic change of the family dynamic,  a worsening economy and social /emotional challenges…a  mentor can effectively guide their journey  and make the journey to adulthood and their future aspirations something  to behold.  “In one interesting find, 76% of at-risk young adults who indicated having a mentor at some point of their lives said they aspire to enroll in college and graduate from college, compared with 56% of at-risk individuals who lacked personal support.   Moreover, teens that are mentored were more likely to be involved in extracurricular activities, take on leadership roles and volunteer, “according to the survey.

As a college consultant, I am often asked…”what do you do?”  While it may seem that opening  a few books and rummaging through the world wide web is all one needs to begin the college process, that is simply not so.  School counselors with burgeoning caseloads and responsibilities that extend past what their duties and responsibilities are, do not have the luxury of addressing all of the social emotional nuances that can impede the college admission process or the self discovery process necessary to make decisions about ones future career path.   A college consultant not only brings their experience and knowledge to the table, but mentorship as well.   Mentorship is driven into a holistic approach to drive achievement and increase opportunity at home, at school, and in the work force.   Additionally, it is leveraged as a tool to reduce some of the challenges in a student’s life and promote positive choices.  It also affords a fresh perspective for post secondary and transition planning. While not every student may desire to go to college, there is ample evidence that a college degree is warranted in order to gain employment in today’s global society.   For those who do not seek this type of post secondary option, technical schools or specialized instruction in some field is necessary for marketable skills.   

Mentorship provides unconditional positive regard, and a powerful means of early intervention to keep students on track and finish high school.  Exploring their interests, likes, dislikes, strengths, weakness, directly translates into succeeding academically by means of encouragement and belief in their abilities.  Teaching a child to know themselves is the most precious gift we can give them and mentorship can be the key. 

Thank you to MENTOR:  The National Mentor Partnership for the survey report and Hart Research .

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