Sponsors (26)
The bill would expand and improve mentoring to boost education, mental-health, and career outcomes for many youth—particularly underserved groups—but may require new funding and oversight and could introduce private-sector priorities that produce uneven program quality.
Students and youth — wider adoption of quality mentoring programs would improve academic outcomes and school engagement.
Underserved youth (including Alaska Native, American Indian, and foster youth) — culturally informed mentoring would improve mental health and social-emotional well-being.
Young people and students — increased mentor connections to industry professionals would expand career exposure and job opportunities.
Children, youth (especially low-income) — reliance on unpaid volunteers and unclear funding/oversight could produce uneven program quality and variable outcomes.
Schools, local governments, and community programs — adopting formal quality standards and expanded programming could raise implementation costs.
Students and young adults — increased private-sector involvement risks shifting program priorities toward employer/industry interests rather than youth needs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Expresses support for National Mentoring Month and urges public-private-nonprofit collaboration to recruit mentors and expand quality mentoring for youth.
Introduced February 4, 2025 by Sheldon Whitehouse · Last progress February 4, 2025
Expresses official support for National Mentoring Month and highlights the many benefits of mentoring for young people. It encourages public, private, and nonprofit groups to recruit mentors, expand relationship-focused supports, and adopt quality mentoring practices, while noting that one in three young people lack a mentor.