Rationale

Data shows that young men of color, regardless of socio-economic background, are disproportionately at risk throughout their journey from their youngest years to college and beyond. For instance, large disparities remain in reading proficiency, with 86% of African – American and 82% of Latino boys reading below proficiency by the fourth grade-compared to 58% of Caucasian boys reading below proficiency levels. Additionally, the disproportionate number of African-American and Latino young men who are unemployed or involved in the criminal justice system has a serious negative impact on the state and city budgets. It also undermines family and community stability. These young men are 6 times as likely to become victims of murder than Caucasian peers and account for almost half of the country’s murder victims.

As members of society and as representatives of mission-driven organizations serving youth, caring adult men cannot ignore the ways in which African-American young men of color, are at a disadvantage because of systematic inequities and racial biases. We know that relationships matter. A healthy caring relationship between an African-American young man of color and a mentor can facilitate the pathway to success, helping them successfully navigate the transition from school to work and from childhood to adulthood.

Overall we know that mentoring works. It impacts the quality of life of an African or Latino young man of color in areas of school, mental, emotional, and physical health. Generally speaking, youth in mentoring relationships present with better attitudes and behaviors at home, school, and in the community. They have fewer instances of drug and alcohol use and abuse and as a result have improved relationships with their parents and peers. Across all areas mentoring both prevents negative outcomes and promotes positive ones.