National Mentoring Month: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders Through Team Up
Why Mentoring Matters
January is National Mentoring Month, a national campaign that celebrates the positive impact of mentorship on young lives. This month reminds us that having a trusted adult can make all the difference for a child or teen.
Research shows that youth who have mentors are more likely to stay in school, set higher career goals, and make healthier choices as they grow. Yet, many young people still lack a consistent role model they can rely on.
At The Up Center, our Team Up Program connects caring adults with local youth to build supportive, lasting relationships that encourage confidence, growth, and success in school, work, and life.
The Lasting Impact of Mentorship
When a young person has a mentor, the results can be life-changing. Youth with positive adult influences are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and build healthy relationships. They also report higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of belonging in their communities.
For many children, having someone who listens and believes in them can be the turning point that shapes their future. Mentors help their mentees navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and set goals they may not have imagined on their own.
At The Up Center, we’ve seen firsthand how one steady, caring relationship can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. Every match formed through our Team Up Program helps create a ripple effect—stronger families, stronger schools, and a stronger Hampton Roads community.
That’s why The Up Center continues to strengthen mentoring opportunities through innovative programs like the Leadership Institute.
Building Leaders Through Team Up: Expanding Mentorship Beyond the Match
At The Up Center, we believe every child has the potential to lead. But potential alone isn’t enough. Many children in our community lack consistent, reliable support—the kind that helps them navigate challenges, build confidence, and envision a brighter future. That’s why support for our Team Up Mentoring Program matters.
Right now, more than 100 youth are waiting to be matched with a caring adult mentor. While they wait, we aren’t standing still. We’re expanding opportunities that give them consistent, positive guidance today.
Leadership Institute: Group Mentoring in Action
Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, we launched the Leadership Institute, a school-based group mentoring program that helps students develop life skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience while they wait for a one-on-one match.
At Elephant’s Fork Elementary in Suffolk, 12 fourth graders meet twice a month during lunch to learn about accountability, communication, and confidence. Referred by teachers for their potential—and the challenges they face—these students are finding their voice and learning to lead by example.
One student, struggling with failing grades, shared her frustrations with the group. Her peers listened and helped her make a plan. Within weeks, she had completed her assignments and proudly raised her grade to a B. Another student, once known for anger outbursts, began using strategies learned in the group to manage emotions—his teachers soon noticed a complete turnaround.
The results speak for themselves:
- 92% of students reported increased confidence and emotional control
- 83% improved their academic or emotional wellbeing
- 50% saw better reading performance
These numbers reflect what we already know—mentorship works.
Partnering for Community Impact: The Blocker YMCA Collaboration
Partnerships make progress possible. Through a strong relationship with the Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA, The Up Center’s Team Up Program provides space and resources for mentor-mentee pairs to meet, participate in group activities, and strengthen their connections in a safe, community-centered environment. Together, we’re helping youth stay active, engaged, and surrounded by positive influences.
This collaboration has opened doors for group mentoring sessions, leadership workshops, and recreation-based learning—giving young people the chance to practice teamwork, goal-setting, and respect in action.
Why Male Mentors Are Especially Needed
As we expand mentoring opportunities, one need remains urgent—more male mentors.
Across the country, mentoring programs continue to see a shortage of male volunteers, leaving many boys waiting to be matched with a positive role model. For young men—especially those growing up without a consistent male figure—having someone to listen, guide, and encourage them can make a lasting difference.
At The Up Center, our Team Up Program is actively seeking men who are willing to invest their time and attention in a young person’s future. You don’t need to be perfect to be a great mentor. What matters most is showing up, listening, and being a steady, supportive presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about The Up Center’s Team Up Mentoring Program
The Team Up Program connects caring adult mentors with local youth to build positive, supportive relationships. Mentors help guide young people through challenges, celebrate their achievements, and encourage them to reach their full potential.
Adults who volunteer as mentors receive training from The Up Center before being matched with a youth based on shared interests and compatibility. Once matched, mentors and mentees meet regularly—often an hour a week or every other week—to spend time together and build trust.
The Up Center offers ongoing check-ins, resources, and staff support to ensure that each mentoring match remains strong and successful.
Mentors often describe the experience as deeply rewarding. Beyond helping a child build confidence and resilience, mentors also gain a stronger sense of purpose, connection, and even personal growth.
You can start by visiting www.theupcenter.org and exploring the Team Up volunteer section. From there, you can sign up for an information session, complete a mentor application, and begin training and background checks. Once you’re approved, you’ll be matched with a youth and begin your mentoring journey.
Many boys in our community are still waiting for a consistent male role model. Men who volunteer as mentors can make a lasting difference by offering guidance, encouragement, and stability during key stages of a young person’s life.
Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have long proven that mentorship changes lives. The Up Center’s Team Up Program follows that same trusted model—pairing youth with positive adult influences who help them thrive at home, in school, and in their communities.
In January, during National Mentoring Month, we highlight how mentoring changes lives. At The Up Center, our Team Up Program is one way we connect adults with youth, especially boys who need male mentors. If you are an adult willing to show up regularly, listen without judging, and commit to a young person’s growth—you can make a real difference.
Let’s work together to increase the number of mentors, narrow the gender mentorship gap, and ensure every young person we serve has someone to count on. Learn more about becoming a mentor or supporting Team Up through a donation.
