Mentoring at PACS
Full-day Kindergarten was a hard transition for Jack. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jack found school to be both overstimulating and boring, and he would regularly act out to get removed from class early. Jack's teachers tried multiple accommodations to make things easier on him and keep him in school for the full day, but these efforts had little success.
That changed when Jack met Dan, his mentor in PACS' Pride Pals Peer Mentoring program. This program pairs elementary students with responsible high school students for mentoring, guidance, and games as the "littles" progress through school.
Jack loved hanging out with Dan, and almost overnight Jack's behavior in school shifted. Suddenly, Jack had something to look forward to at the end of the school day. That made it easier to deal with the feelings of fear and overstimulation that came from being separated from his parents all day.
With Dan's support just one day a week, Jack's in-school behavior has completely turned around, even on the days he doesn't have mentoring.
Mentoring is more than just a guiding hand; it's a beacon of hope, a pathway to success, and a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. For students navigating the complexities of academia and career choices, having a mentor can make all the difference.
Higher Academic Achievement: According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, students who have mentors are more likely to stay in school and excel academically. In fact, mentored students have a 55% greater chance of enrolling in college.
Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem: Research from the National Mentoring Partnership reveals that 76% of at-risk young adults who had a mentor aspire to attend college, compared to only 56% of those without a mentor. Mentoring instills confidence and self-esteem in students, empowering them to pursue their dreams.
Higher Job Satisfaction and Retention: Research from the Mentor Foundation USA indicates that students who have been mentored are 25% more likely to find satisfaction in their jobs and are also more likely to stay with the same employer for longer periods. This statistic highlights the role of mentorship in not only helping students secure employment but also in fostering a sense of fulfillment and loyalty in their professional lives. Mentors contribute to the development of essential skills, provide guidance on navigating workplace challenges, and offer support that leads to greater job satisfaction and retention rates among mentored individuals.
Enhanced Social and Emotional Development: Mentoring fosters meaningful relationships and provides a supportive environment for students to navigate social and emotional challenges. Studies show that mentored youth are 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.
PACS has mentoring programs throughout our schools in Allegheny County, both peer mentoring programs like Pride Pals, where older students mentor young ones, and our Being There Mentoring Program that matches adult mentors to middle and high school students.
If you would like to get involved with mentoring at PACS you can find out more here: