Our Annual Mentor Survey Results are in: Building Resilient Youth Through Mentorship That Works
Phoenix, AZ – June 3, 2026
At New Pathways for Youth, we believe every young person deserves to live with joy and purpose — confident in their ability to choose their own path. That belief shapes everything we do. And at the heart of it all is something beautifully simple: when young people have the right support, they grow stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the world ahead.
Our 2026 Mentor Survey results demonstrate why this work matters — and confirm that mentorship, when grounded in relationships and research, creates real, lasting impact for youth across Phoenix.
Strong, Trust-Based Relationships That Drive Youth Success
The foundation of any great match is the relationship itself — and this year’s data show those connections are flourishing.
– 98% of mentors say they are a positive role model in their mentee’s life
– 98% report their mentee genuinely enjoys their time together
– 97% say their mentee sees them as a guiding, supportive adult
These aren’t just feel-good numbers. They reflect exactly what research tells us young people need most: a consistent, caring adult who shows up and builds trust over time. At New Pathways, we design our program intentionally so these relationships can deepen — helping youth develop confidence, a sense of belonging, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Measurable Growth in Skills That Build Resilience
Mentorship in our Level Up program is structured, intentional, and rooted in a trauma-informed, evidence-based curriculum — and this year’s results show that investment paying off in powerful ways.
We saw statistically significant growth across every measured skill area for mentors. Mentors reported meaningful growth in:
- Practicing empathy without rushing to fix or solve
- Staying persistent through challenges
- Expanding their worldview and respect for diversity
- Building a deeper sense of community
These are the very skills at the heart of what makes Level Up distinctive — a curriculum built to shift mindsets and help mentors show up with consistency, awareness, and emotional intelligence. When mentors are committed, the youth they serve notice. It’s how we help young people build confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“These results reflect something we see every day at New Pathways for Youth — that when we invest in people, they rise to the occasion. Our mentors want to make a difference, and the youth we serve are the beneficiaries of that commitment.” — Karen Johnson, President & CEO, New Pathways for Youth
A Mentor Support Model That Strengthens Every Relationship
Real impact doesn’t happen by chance — it happens because mentors are consistently supported, trained, and equipped with the right tools at the right time. The 2026 survey speaks to just how strong that support system has become:
- 94% of mentors feel supported through challenges
- 92% say they are connected to resources
- 89% report ongoing support that helps them grow in their role
“Our team has deepened our focus on mentor development this year — making sure mentors have access to ongoing training, practical guidance, and real-time coaching that evolves alongside their needs. Because when mentors have support, they can give back to their mentees in powerful ways.” —Vanesa Contreras Rodriguez, VP of Programs, New Pathways for Youth
A Program Designed for Lasting Impact
Mentors also shared what makes NPFY stand out: a strong sense of community, a safe and welcoming environment, and a program built on research-based, trauma-informed practices.
As one mentor put it: “Beyond the loving and supportive community, the fact that the curriculum and resources are based on research is a top strength.”
That’s no accident. Every piece of our program — from curriculum design to mentor training — is built to help youth carry these skills and this mindset throughout their lives.
Why This Matters for Our Community
For our donors and partners, these results are more than data points. They’re proof of a model that works.
When we invest in mentorship, we’re investing in youth who are more confident and resilient, in relationships that provide real stability and guidance, and in a community where every young person has someone in their corner.