More than most people realize. A 40-year study found that nearly 70% of the kids living in the worst conditions are able to thrive nevertheless--if they are emotionally connected to some adult within a community (Werner, 1989).

Child Trends (February, 2002) reviewed studies of ten youth mentoring programs, including both national and locally based programs. Their review compares youth randomly assigned to a mentoring program with a group of similar youth who were not assigned. They found youth participating in mentoring relationships were:

·    50% more likely to have fewer school absences 

·    More likely to attend college

·    Placed a higher value on school

Children with a relationship with an adult volunteer have an improved sense of well-being. 

·    They are 46% less likely to initiate drug use

·    They committed fewer misdemeanors and felonies after program participation

·    They were 33 % less likely to hit someone

·    They had more positive attitudes toward the future, the elderly, and toward helping in general