In Chicago, a Mentoring Program Focuses on Role Models for Boys - NYTimes.com: ...The mentoring groups are set up by the schools and Family Focus, a nonprofit community support program intended to strengthen families and help children. The free service, which began in 1976, works with children to help them overcome obstacles like poverty, violence and gangs. Family Focus operates seven family support centers throughout the Chicago area and says it serves about 14,000 people each year.
Research shows that mentoring can improve a student’s academic ability and self-confidence. Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, which conducts research on urban education, said mentoring is important, particularly for black boys, who are more likely to live in poverty and grow up without a father figure.
“In general, mentoring can be an enormously effective way of engaging kids and making sure there is an adult presence in their life,” Mr. Casserly said.
