(Monthly) National Mentoring Month

Celebrated on 01/01/2026

Quick Fact

National Mentoring Month was first established in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of mentoring and to recruit more mentors for youth. Each January, organizations across the U.S. hold events to highlight the positive impact of mentoring relationships.

Origins and Establishment of (Monthly) National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month was launched in January 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health in collaboration with MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. The initiative was created to highlight the critical role mentoring plays in youth development and to encourage more individuals to become mentors. The campaign was designed to coincide with the start of the new year, a time when people often reflect on their goals and consider ways to give back to their communities.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, National Mentoring Month has grown significantly, with increased participation from schools, nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies. The month now includes specific themed days such as "I Am a Mentor" Day and "National Mentoring Summit" events. In the digital age, social media campaigns like #MentoringMonth have amplified the message, allowing mentors and mentees to share their stories. Today, the month is celebrated with mentoring program recruitment drives, training workshops, and recognition events that underscore the lasting benefits of mentoring relationships.

Facts & General Observations

• One in three young people in the U.S. will grow up without a mentor, leaving them at higher risk for negative outcomes.
• Mentored youth are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer regularly.
• National Mentoring Month has helped recruit over 500,000 new mentors since its inception.

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