Maryland’s high school dropout rate hit 8.3% at the height of the pandemic in 2020. While that number has dropped by nearly a percentage point in the latest Maryland State Department of Education report, there is room for improvement.
For students facing barriers, a clear path to educational and lifelong success starts with mentorship. Read on to learn reasons why mentorship is so critical!
Mentoring Helps Student Engagement
Many students struggle to see the value of what they are doing in the classroom. In response, these students may be more likely to skip school and disengage from activities outside the classroom. That’s where mentors can step in and make a big impact.
At OhanaHC, mentors establish a 10-year relationship with their mentees. This begins when these students are high school freshmen, and each mentee works with three mentors. Building long-term connections helps students stay focused during some of the most critical years of their lives.
Interacting with a mentor can open a mentee’s eyes to the value of engaging with opportunities. Mentors meet with students one-on-one to foster personal connections. Plus enriching events and speakers empower students to learn more about themselves and what they can become.
As a result, mentees can feel more confident entering social situations. They’ll also develop soft skills that will help with job interviews down the road.
Mentoring Can Improve Academic Success
Not all students have a home life that encourages academic success. This can mean that students don’t have the tools to know how to study and aspire to greatness in the classroom. A good mentor can step in and be a difference-maker for a student who lacks support.
Mentors can show mentees how to improve their time management skills and assist them with homework questions. They can provide accountability and support to ensure students are submitting homework on time. Ultimately, this support can translate to better grades that help a student feel more capable in the classroom.
Some mentees may see college as the next step after high school, but others may not. OhanaHC recognizes that academic success doesn’t culminate in the same outcome for each student. Mentors help mentees evaluate their options to make the best choice for their future success.
Mentoring for Students Builds Personal Connections
When a mentor and mentee are together, both parties can benefit. Students learn how to see their worth and overcome personal barriers. They learn how to set goals and work towards them.
Mentors get the chance to forge connections with students they may otherwise never have known. Mentors can share their expertise and wisdom to make a profound difference in the community.
Are you looking for a way to give back? Offering mentoring for students can build lasting connections that strengthen communities. OhanaHC offers opportunities to make an impact on area youth. Fill out the contact form on our website or email us at info@ohanahc.org to learn about ways you can volunteer, help with fundraising endeavors, and contribute to our mission!