January is National Mentoring Month

It's a time to celebrate and promote the power of positive adult role models in the lives of children and youth, especially those in foster care. Meaningful mentoring relationships help youth build confidence, connect with community, navigate challenges, and envision a brighter future. Learn more and discover practical resources below to support mentors, caregivers, and staff in fostering connections that truly matter.

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National Mentoring Month Key Days to Highlight

Consider adding these dates on your banner or calendar:

• I Am a Mentor Day — January 6
• Thank Your Mentor Day — January 28

 

 

Resources

Overview & Awareness

National Mentoring Month (MENTOR – The National Mentoring Partnership)
A central hub for National Mentoring Month information, including promotional toolkits and awareness materials you can share with your community.

National Mentoring Month Recognition (U.S. Congressional Resolution)
The official congressional text recognizes National Mentoring Month and acknowledges the value of mentoring for youth development, confidence, and community strength.

Resources for Mentors & Programs Supporting Foster Youth

Mentoring Youth in the Foster Care System Toolkit
This toolkit is specifically designed to help mentoring professionals and program staff build, sustain, and evaluate quality mentoring relationships for youth in foster care.
It includes:

• Research on mentoring outcomes
• Best practices for mentor recruitment and support
• Training and match support strategies
• Ideas for long-term mentoring connections with youth in care

Foster Care–Focused Mentoring Resources (MENTOR)
A collection of resources, including webinars, guides, research briefs, and blog posts on why mentoring matters for youth in foster care ( how adult role models contribute to stability, skill-building, and well-being ).

National Mentoring Resource Center – Resource Library
Offers downloadable evidence-based materials and tools for mentoring programs — including Becoming a Better Mentor, youth engagement strategies, and activity guides relevant for caregivers and mentoring staff.

Mass Mentoring Partnership – Mentor Resource Guides
A broad set of practical tools for mentors, including curriculum guides, cultural responsiveness resources, virtual mentoring tools, and youth mental health support materials — helpful for both professional and volunteer mentors.

Stories & Impact Statements

“For Youth in Foster Care, a Mentor Makes a Difference” (Children’s Aid)
A narrative example demonstrating how mentors provide emotional support, life navigation, and encouragement to youth who may lack consistent supports — great for storytelling on your page.