What is National Mentoring Day?
National Mentoring Day Related Holidays
Anybody who’s anybody probably has great teachers to thank for inspiring them. Teachers are an integral part of any society, but it’s only in the greatest of societies that they’re given the respect and admiration that they deserve
The Future Teachers of America, which helps future educators prepare for the classroom, sponsors this day. Through mentorship and teaching opportunities, they help teachers hone their skills and become wonderful educators.
Take time to celebrate World Teachers’ Day — a global event launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994.
History of National Mentoring Day
National Mentoring Day timeline
- 2019
“Natural mentoring”
Writer Levi van Dam points out that while more than 5,000 U.S. mentoring organizations facilitate “stranger to stranger” matches for adolescents, only 5% percent of teens are successfully matched. He suggests a whole new approach: “”Natural mentors might be uncles, aunts, neighbors, teachers, sports coaches and acquaintances, on whom young people naturally fall back when times are difficult. And the positive impact can be tremendous.”
- October 2015
The first annual National Mentoring Day
National Mentoring Day was launched for the first time in the U.K. Many events took place including a mentoring summit in London.
- March 2014
National Mentoring Day founded
Chelsey Baker began the project that is National Mentoring Day.
- 2002
A month of celebrating mentors
National Mentoring Month focused national attention on the need for mentors in hopes of growing the mentor community.
National Mentoring Day FAQs
What is the difference between national mentoring day and national mentoring month?
When is National Mentoring Month?
Why should I become a mentor?
Everyone has life experiences that can help the next generation get ahead. Why not impart that wisdom?
How to Observe National Mentoring Day
Send a thank you note
If a name came to mind when we asked you to think of a mentor from your past, write them a thank you card. Not only is it a kind gesture to show you appreciate their help, but it serves as a reminder of the impact mentors have on their mentees.
Become a mentor
Share the importance of mentoring by becoming part of the mentor community. Get in touch with local businesses, schools, and universities to see how you can make a difference for someone in need.
Create a mentoring event
If you're already a mentor or know of a program, help create an event to celebrate the results of mentoring. It can be a social media campaign sharing mentoring stories with a hashtag — or setting up a meeting to share tips on successful practices.
Mentoring By The Numbers
Mentoring means business
Percentage of mentored small businesses that survive for five years or more: 70
Major value
Percentage of mentees who say mentors are valuable: 97
Effective mentoring creates effective results
Percentage of businesses that saw an increase in productivity thanks to mentoring: 67
More businesses could use a little help from friends
Only 25% of small- and medium-sized businesses currently make use of business mentors
Why National Mentoring Day is Important
Stories so touching — we might cry
The holiday gives mentors and mentees a reason to share experiences that have helped their growth, goals, and career. Keep tissues at the ready.
Worldwide mentor collaboration
It gives mentors, key influencers, and leaders from around the world a chance to celebrate the work done — and also work together to find even more ways to make an impact. When more minds unite, more ideas are formed.
Shows us all the ways
This holiday also highlights the different forms mentoring can take. From youth mentoring to business mentoring, having an adviser can help at any stage in life or in your career.
National Mentoring Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | October 27 | Tuesday |
| 2021 | October 27 | Wednesday |
| 2022 | October 27 | Thursday |
| 2023 | October 27 | Friday |
| 2024 | October 27 | Sunday |