Empowering the Next Generation: A Panel Discussion on Mentoring Youth – YouTube
The Center for Social Justice, the Civic Engagement Rope Team, and the Age & Generational Diversity Rope Team hosted Empowering the Next Generation: A Panel discussion on the power of mentoring and on opportunities to do so.
The mentoring panel brought together experienced leaders from various mentoring programs and offered a unique opportunity to learn about available opportunities and become inspired to make a difference in the lives of young people.
The panel included leaders from mentor programs in the Capital Region as well as from national mentoring organizations, so if you are not located in the Capital Region you can also learn more about these organizations and become inspired to seek mentorship opportunities in your community.
The panel included:
· Jason Benitez, vice president for inclusion, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce (moderator)
· Keila dos Santos, CEO, and Enriquette Duran, senior program manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region (panelists)
· Abigail Gomes, association director of youth development, Capital District YMCA (panelist)
· John Caher, senior advisor for strategic communications, NYS Unified Court System / U-CAN Mentor Program (panelist)
· Tamara McCallum, director of programs, 518ElevatED (panelist)
Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor, looking to expand your existing mentoring activities, or simply want to learn more about the impact of mentoring in our community, this content is for you!
Mentoring has a profound impact on both the mentor and mentee. According to the National Mentoring Partnership, mentored youth and young adults are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 46% less likely to start using drugs. According to Mentor, mentors also benefit from the experience, with 71% reporting an improved sense of purpose and 65% feeling more confident in their ability to make a positive impact in their communities and networks.
Listen to the panel and be part of empowering the next generation!