The significance of mentoring

Pomona Learning Loft believes that having a qualified mentor can be a game-changer for high school students, especially those from low-income minority backgrounds, as it provides invaluable guidance, support, and inspiration on their journey to success. Below are several reasons why PLL believes that mentorship is essential in alleviating poverty and improving chances of success:

Research from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America shows that youth with mentors are:

  • 55% more likely to enroll in college

  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly

  • 90% more likely to become mentors themselves

Breaking the cycle of poverty that often persists across generations and more likely to succeed in life.

A study by the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that students with a mentor are more likely to finish high school and go on to college, helping to end the cycle of poverty passed down through families.

The National Mentoring Partnership shows that young people with mentors are 55% more likely to go to college than those without mentors. This shows how important mentorship is for education and moving up in society.

Researchers discovered that young children who had mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters program for 18 months showed more improvement compared to those without mentors. Children were:

Based on the information gathered from a study on Big Brothers/Big Sisters by Public/Private Ventures.

Research indicates that mentoring programs benefit children, with numerous studies confirming their positive impact. By fostering meaningful mentorship relationships, PLL believes that we empower all students to overcome obstacles, pursue their aspirations, and achieve their full potential. Mentorship not only provides practical guidance but also instills confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, laying the groundwork for lifelong success and upward mobility.

PLL plans to have a mentorship pool that is constantly growing.  We currently plan to have mentors who represent the following areas: Law; Mental Health/Behavioral Health; Finance/business; Medicine/Healthcare; Education; Human Resources/Job Coaching; Civic Engagement/Public Policy; Graphic Design; Recruiting; Performing Arts; Project Management; Non-Profit; Entrepreneurship; Sustainability; Engineering; Journalism; Consulting; Publishing; Research; IT; Marketing; Social Work;

The PLL Mentoring program provides personalized guidance and support to students aged 13-18, helping them develop essential life skills, explore career paths, and build confidence for a successful future. The Mentors support high school-aged individuals in taking their next career steps, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job exploration.  The Mentors work with program participants at a time that is flexible to their schedule, and that is self-paced. Our Mentors work with as many students as they have the bandwidth for at any given time.

Mentoring at Pomona Learning Loft

The PLL mentors are professionals from a specific field. We can connect those seeking help to a mentor in the job or industry sought, or with a Human Resource or job coach professional. All of our mentors have completed their undergrad, and have at least 2 years of work experience.