National Mentoring Month – Jan. 1, 2027

Categories:
Tags:
ActivitiesMental Health
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January
Holiday emoji:
🤝

National Mentoring Month dedicates every January to the power of guidance and support. It’s a time to acknowledge the profound impact mentors have on individuals’ personal and professional growth. Get involved by becoming a mentor, seeking guidance, or supporting mentoring programs in your community.

Want to sponsor National Mentoring Month? Learn how

Expected National Mentoring Month Deals

As a Cause holiday, National Mentoring Month focuses on driving engagement and support for mentoring initiatives rather than commercial deals. Organizations like MENTOR National, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America often run awareness campaigns and fundraising drives throughout January. Corporate partners, such as Deloitte and IBM, may highlight their internal mentorship programs or offer donation-matching opportunities to relevant non-profits. Look for local community centers and educational institutions to host informational sessions and recruitment events. We encourage you to visit the official websites of these organizations to find out how you can contribute or get involved this January.

Platform Guide for National Mentoring Month

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMentoringMonth. Share your mentoring story or offer advice to mentees.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMentoringMonth. Share resources for finding or becoming a mentor in your local community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalMentoringMonth. Join conversations about the importance of mentorship and share inspiring quotes.

Social Media Tips for National Mentoring Month

Individuals

Reflect on a mentor who impacted your life, or consider becoming one yourself. Reach out to someone you admire and ask for guidance, or offer your expertise to someone starting out.

Creators

Produce content highlighting successful mentor-mentee relationships. Interview mentors and mentees, or create a series on finding the right mentor for different career paths.

Brands

Showcase your company's internal mentorship programs or highlight employees who serve as mentors. Partner with a non-profit mentoring organization for a month-long awareness campaign.

Organizations & Brands for National Mentoring Month

  1. MENTOR National

    Founded in 1990, MENTOR National is a leading advocate for quality youth mentoring in the United States. They work to expand the quantity and quality of mentoring relationships for young people by providing resources, research, and advocacy.

  2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

    Established in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. They are one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the country.

  3. Boys & Girls Clubs of America

    Founded in 1860, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America provide a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Their programs, including mentorship, focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

  4. SCORE

    Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a small business. This non-profit organization provides free business mentoring and education, connecting experienced volunteers with aspiring and existing business owners.

  5. Deloitte

    A global professional services network, Deloitte has a strong commitment to professional development, including robust internal mentorship programs. They often participate in initiatives that promote career guidance and skill-building for future leaders.

  6. IBM

    International Business Machines (IBM), a tech and consulting giant founded in 1911, emphasizes continuous learning and mentorship within its corporate culture. IBM also supports STEM education and mentoring initiatives in communities worldwide.

  7. Starbucks

    The global coffeehouse chain, founded in 1971, is known for its partner (employee) development programs, which often include mentorship opportunities. Starbucks also engages in community initiatives that support youth development and career readiness.

National Mentoring Month Hero

Homer

The ancient Greek poet Homer is traditionally credited with authoring the epic poems 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey.' In 'The Odyssey,' the character Mentor is an old, trusted friend of Odysseus who is entrusted with the education and guidance of Odysseus's son, Telemachus. This literary figure gave rise to the modern concept and term 'mentor.'

National Mentoring Month timeline

2000s
Technology Defines a Generation

With the use of new technology, many millennial and gen-x generations focused the use of mentoring on individual development, instead of a career shift.

1988
The International Mentoring Association is Formed

One of the largest mentoring programs today was first started by a small group of individuals interested in connecting youth to older mentors in Michigan.

750 B.C.E
The Creation of the Word Mentor

The word mentor is believed to arise from the "Mentor" character from Homer’s
“Odyssey.”

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Mentoring Month

Local businesses can celebrate National Mentoring Month by establishing or promoting internal mentorship programs for their employees, fostering a culture of growth and support. Consider partnering with local schools or non-profits to offer career guidance workshops or host ‘shadow a professional’ days for students. Highlight the importance of mentorship in your marketing campaigns, perhaps by sharing testimonials from employees who have benefited from a mentor. Offer discounts or special recognition to employees who volunteer as mentors in their community.

National Mentoring Month FAQs

When is National Mentoring Month?

In 2027, National Mentoring Month will again take place across the entire month of January. This annual observance highlights the critical role mentors play in personal and professional development.

How many Americans participate in mentoring?

Research consistently shows that millions of Americans benefit from mentoring, both as mentees and mentors. In 2027, organizations will continue to emphasize the need to expand access to quality mentoring relationships for all youth.

What is the impact of mentoring?

The impact of mentoring extends beyond individual growth, contributing to stronger communities and a more skilled workforce. Studies in 2027 will continue to explore the long-term benefits of sustained mentoring relationships.

What is the origin of the word 'mentor'?

The term ‘mentor’ entered common language from classical literature, specifically ‘The Odyssey.’ The character Mentor served as a symbol of guidance and instruction, a meaning that persists to this day in 2027.

National Mentoring Month Activities

  1. Be a mentor for someone

    Join a mentoring program if available in your city, or be a helping hand to someone who needs assistance. The best part about being a mentor is that there is no age limit. Excel in one skill and it can be taught to others.

  2. Find a mentor to guide you

    Decide what goals you want to achieve. If the goals are professional improvements, search for a mentor in your work place. Finding a mentor will be easier to find once you know what goals to achieve.

  3. Treat the mentors in your life

    Thank your mentor with a nice gift this month, or take them out for lunch. Mentors tend to be very patient and deserve all the appreciation given to them. Even if money is an issue the simple gesture of thanking them for their time and work in you makes all the difference.

Best Mentor/Mentee Relationships In The Movies

  1. "Good Will Hunting"

    Sean Maguire and Will Hunting

  2. "Harry Potter"

    Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter

  3. "The Karate Kid"

    Mr. Miyagi and Daniel

  4. "Star Wars"

    Yoda and Luke

  5. "Rocky"

    Micky and Rocky Balboa

Why We Love National Mentoring Month

  1. Mentoring creates unity

    Mentoring allows people to grow and improve themselves. It brings people from all walks of life together. Goals are so much more attainable when there is a mentor who helps you accomplish your vision.

  2. Seeking a mentor builds courage

    National Mentoring Month is a great way to introduce yourself to others and build courage. It can be daunting to ask someone to mentor you, but it all starts with what you want to succeed in.

  3. Mentor others to help your community

    Many states offer chances for young people to join mentoring communities. Even if you are changing professions or are looking for a new start the mentoring programs allow for people of all ages to meet others to help them to achieve their goals.

National Mentoring Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 1 Friday
2028 January 1 Saturday
2029 January 1 Monday
2030 January 1 Tuesday
2031 January 1 Wednesday