Lincoln Youth Mentoring Coalition Delivers ‘State of Mentoring Report’

The newly created Lincoln Youth Mentoring Coalition gave a summary of its ‘State of Mentoring Report’ Thursday. Mario Racicot, of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, delivered the report. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird opened the meeting.

“2,370 youth in Lancaster County currently have a mentor. 76 percent of youth who are mentored are in poverty. 926 mentors are needed to mentor youth currently on the waiting list,” Racicot said.

The report shows minority-race mentors and male mentors are much needed. Currently, 51 percent of mentored youth identify as a minority race, while only 12 percent of the mentors identify as such. A vast majority of young people on the waiting list are male, according to Racicot.

Outside of more mentors, the 25-plus member group needs more funding. This would go toward adding and recruiting staff. Finally, the coalition wants to ensure the quality of each mentor-mentee relationship.

Racicot says mentoring can encourage young people in numerous ways. Helping with social interactions, changing dynamics with family and friends, and academic gaps are some aspects mentees can be aided. He says adults can learn and evolve just as much as the young people they advise while mentoring.

Full State of Mentoring Report