Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 41, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution celebrates National Mentoring Month, commends mentors who are positively impacting the lives of young people, and highlights the need for additional mentors to make themselves available to America's youth.
Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, and positive reinforcement.
By all estimates an astounding 17.6 million young people, nearly half the population of young people between the ages of 10 and 18, live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their full potential. Without immediate intervention by caring adults, they could make choices that not only undermine their futures but ultimately the economic and social well-being of our great Nation.
With the help and guidance of an adult mentor, every child can discover how to unlock and achieve his or her full potential. Youth development experts agree that mentoring is a critical element in any child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. It builds a sense of industry and competency, boosts academic performance, and broadens the horizons of prospective students.
By honoring mentors and mentoring programs, we recognize the importance of mentoring programs implemented in our local schools and communities. We also draw attention to the components of a quality program, including appropriate screening of potential mentors and careful matching of youth with adults who have a genuine interest in providing guidance and being exemplary role models.
Today, thanks to the commitment and dedication of mentoring advocates, 3 million young Americans are now enjoying mentoring's many benefits through school-based, faith-based, and community organizations. That's a six-fold increase in formal mentoring relationships since the national mentoring movement galvanized the Nation in the early 1990s. It's an impressive accomplishment. However, 15 million more young people who need mentors are waiting their turn. They make up our Nation's mentoring gap.
To be a mentor, you don't need any special skills, just an ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance, and encouragement to a young person growing up today. Today, I'm asking all Americans to give a child hope by sharing their time and knowledge along with their experiences.
