ABSTRACT
Mentoring has a long and proven history. The early Greeks practiced mentoring; today, it is as common in business and politics as it is in schools. A mentor is simply a wise and trusted friend with a commitment to provide guidance and support. Many groups promote mentoring as an effective strategy for youth development, and many different political and social constellations support the practice. According to many parents and school counselors, youth face so many new and different social, psychological, and physical demands that what was once known as "normal adolescent development" may no longer exist. Many young people feel they are immortal and tend to ignore good health practices. Young people often need to juggle schoolwork, extracurricular activities, family chores, leisure activities, and other social demands. School districts, organizations, businesses, or communities sponsoring mentor programs will vary greatly in their stated objectives and expected benefits.
