Mentorship is more than guidance; it is an act of transformation. For boys and young men of color, a mentor can be the difference between a life of unfulfilled potential and one filled with achievement, leadership, and community impact. At MBK Tulsa, our programs, including MBK Sports, prove that mentorship changes lives. Participants in MBK Sports not only excel academically, with grades half a letter grade higher than their peers but also demonstrate 18% higher attendance rates, underscoring the critical role that intentional, well-designed mentorship plays in a young person’s success.
This National Mentoring Month, we’re sharing six best practices that research and experience have shown to create a profound, lasting impact:
Lead with Purpose
Effective mentorship starts with intentionality. Research highlights that when mentors prioritize understanding the unique needs of their mentees, they cultivate trust and motivation. This is particularly important for young men of color, who may face systemic barriers or societal expectations that limit their aspirations. Mentors at MBK Tulsa build trust by fully committing to their role, celebrating their mentees’ individuality, and ensuring that each young man feels seen and valued for who he is.
According to a study published in The Journal of Youth and Adolescence, mentorship programs that emphasize relational trust result in significant improvements in self-esteem and goal-setting among youth, preparing them to overcome challenges with resilience.
Build for Growth, Not Just Support
A mentorship relationship should extend beyond providing support; it should also focus on growth. Programs that prioritize academic, social, and emotional development have consistently shown measurable results. MBK Sports combines mentorship with targeted academic and leadership interventions, helping young men set higher goals and achieve them. Research highlights that mentorship programs fostering domain-specific growth—such as academic achievement or leadership development—can have long-term positive effects, including increased educational attainment and personal success.
At MBK Tulsa, this principle has guided programming decisions, such as pairing mentorship with access to corporate tours, college campus visits, and life-skills workshops that inspire big dreams and offer practical pathways to achieve them.
Create a Network of Support
The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” underscores the importance of communal mentorship. By creating a network of mentors, educators, families, and peers, young men have access to a web of guidance that allows them to thrive in challenging environments. Research from the National Dropout Prevention Center highlights that mentoring can lead to improved attendance, better attitudes toward school, and a higher likelihood of graduating.
At MBK Tulsa, community-driven mentorship is foundational. Through programs like MBK Sports, mentors collaborate with coaches and parents to build a supportive environment that celebrates young men’s achievements while addressing barriers they face.
Forge Connections Between Education and Real Life
For many boys and young men of color, the disconnect between school and their personal aspirations can create disengagement. Mentors play a critical role in bridging that gap. MBK Tulsa uses real-world experiences—such as trips to corporate offices, professional sports facilities, and university campuses—to help students see the relevance of their education to future opportunities.
Studies from the Brookings Institution highlight the critical role mentorship programs play in supporting disadvantaged youth, particularly those with real-world applications. These programs foster stronger career aspirations and equip students with the tools to persist in achieving their goals by connecting education to practical pathways and future opportunities. Mentors help mentees envision futures where education is a stepping stone, not an obstacle.
Practice Active Listening and Radical Empathy
True mentorship begins with listening. Active listening allows mentors to understand the challenges their mentees face and offer meaningful advice. At MBK Tulsa, we encourage mentors to meet young men where they are, acknowledging their experiences while gently guiding them toward solutions.
Evaluate, Adjust, and Grow
Great mentorship programs are data-driven. MBK Tulsa evaluates its programs regularly, analyzing academic, attendance, and behavioral outcomes to refine approaches. Studies have shown that mentorship programs with structured evaluation processes can improve their impact. The success of MBK Sports, as seen in the academic and attendance achievements of participants, serves as a testament to this practice.
A Call to Action
Mentorship is not just an act of generosity; it is a revolutionary act that reshapes futures, breaks generational cycles, and inspires the next generation of leaders. For boys and young men of color, who often face systemic inequities, a mentor can illuminate pathways to success that they may never have imagined.
MBK Tulsa stands as a model of what mentorship can achieve. If you are a Tulsa resident who is ready to make a difference, we encourage you to take the first step by filling out our mentorship interest form. Whether you are an experienced mentor or new to this role, your commitment can change lives and strengthen our community.