The Power of Mentorship: What We Learned from Our 2025 Mentor Survey 

Phoenix, AZ – July 2, 2025

At New Pathways for Youth (NPFY), our volunteer mentors are at the heart of our mission to guide and inspire Phoenix youth toward lives filled with purpose and joy. Every year, we take a moment to listen deeply to their voices through our Mentor Survey, conducted by independent evaluators at LeCroy & Milligan Associates Inc. This survey is not just a formality—it’s an essential tool that helps us strengthen our work and ensure we are meeting the needs of one of our most vital stakeholders: our mentors. 

The 2025 survey revealed results we are proud to share. With an outstanding 61% response rate—the highest in recent years—we heard from mentors across a wide spectrum of backgrounds.  This diversity reflects the richness of our community, where individuals of all walks of life—whether they are recent graduates, professionals seeking growth, retirees, or parents—come together united by one purpose: to transform the lives of our youth through mentorship. 

Every mentor at NPFY begins their journey by completing a thorough screening and training process designed to keep youth safe and provide mentors with the tools they need. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Through mentor gatherings, special trainings, and monthly Power Ups—sessions where mentors and youth come together for shared growth—our mentors continue to deepen their skills and connections. 

The survey results confirmed what we see every day: NPFY mentors are growing personally and making an incredible impact. Mentors gave our program an impressive 4.6 out of 5 overall rating. They reported significant gains in key skills, including establishing relationships built on trust, providing consistent encouragement, and active listening. As one mentor shared, “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences and decisions I have made. I am extremely happy to be part of this program.” 

Mentors also praised the dedication of our Program Coordinators— who serve as the primary support system for mentors, guiding them through every stage of the mentoring journey to ensure impactful, lasting relationships with youth:  99% of our mentors felt their experiences were validated, 97% said staff are responsive and a resource for problem-solving, and 96% viewed them as genuinely invested and a valuable source of advice. We are incredibly proud to see their work recognized in this way. 

Perhaps the most inspiring were the reflections on personal growth. Our survey’s pre-post analysis revealed that mentors became more comfortable navigating uncertainty and supporting youth without feeling the need to solve every problem. Ratings increased in comfort with not having all the answers, and in offering empathy without rushing to fix things. See the graphic for more details. 

At NPFY, we are grateful for the remarkable individuals who choose to share their time and care  through mentoring. Their dedication not only changes the lives of youth but also enriches their own lives in meaningful ways. 

If you’re inspired to be part of this transformative community, learn more about becoming a mentor at npfy.org/mentor. Together, we can continue to build brighter futures for Phoenix youth to live their lives with joy and purpose.