Scanlon Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers in Recognizing January 2022 as National Mentoring Month

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) last week joined Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), along with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) in introducing a resolution recognizing January 2022 as National Mentoring Month.

Today, one-third of young people in the United States feel isolated from meaningful connections with adults outside their homes, resulting in a ""mentoring gap." Mentors provide youth with the support, encouragement, and guidance they need to succeed through academic and personal challenges. The pandemic has taken a toll on young people, and it's more important than ever to close the mentoring gap and equip youth with the tools needed to lead healthy and productive lives.

Established in January of 2002, Youth Mentoring Month celebrates the powerful impact of mentoring relationships and raises awareness about the increased need for caring adults to become mentors in their communities.

The National Mentoring Month Resolution introduced in both chambers of Congress promotes the creation and expansion of quality mentoring programs and initiatives to close the ""mentoring gap."

"Mentoring benefits both the mentor and mentee, as well as the community at large. We all need someone in our corner, but too many young people are feeling isolated from meaningful connections with adults outside their homes," said Rep. Scanlon. "The pandemic has dramatically disrupted access to caring adults like teachers, counselors, faith-based leaders, and coaches -- adults uniquely positioned to help young people process their experiences. We must invest in meaningful mentoring relationships that can re-engage and support young people during this challenging time. I'm proud to join Senators Whitehouse and Blunt and Rep. Herrera Beutler in promoting the creation and expansion of quality mentoring programs."
"A committed mentor makes a profound difference in the life of a young person. Mentors can provide stability and guidance, pass down wisdom, and push their mentee to become the best version of themselves. I am glad to partner with Senator Blunt and Representatives Scanlon and Herrera Beutler to honor the important contributions of all our country's mentors," said Senator Whitehouse.

"From academic achievement to career growth and community leadership, mentors have the potential to change the entire trajectory of a young person's life," said Senator Blunt. "I'm proud to join Senator Whitehouse and Representatives Scanlon and Herrera Beutler in this effort to encourage more Americans to consider the positive impact sharing their time, knowledge, experience, and support could have on a mentee."

"Thank you to Representatives Scanlon and Herrera Beutler, Senators Whitehouse and Blunt, and the bipartisan Congressional Youth Mentoring Caucus, for leading efforts to celebrate and elevate the proven role of mentoring in opening hearts, minds, and doors for our young people and communities. In this 20th year of National Mentoring Month, now more than ever, we cannot leave mentoring to chance and it must be a core part of our response in addressing the unparalleled uncertainty and disconnection resulting from the pandemic. We look forward to continued partnership in ensuring every young person is growing up with the relationships necessary to strive and thrive," said David Shapiro, CEO of MENTOR.

This resolution is endorsed by MENTOR.