Why Do API Youths Need Mentors?
• 7.6% of Asians drop out of school, which is the second highest dropout percentage for a particular group. • Inner city API youths are at the risk of gangs, drugs, and tobacco use. • Some choose to drop out or neglect their school work in order to support their families economically. • They may face language, cultural or social adjustment issues, especially if they are first generation immigrants. • They may be alienated from their parents and families because of cultural and/or generational gaps. • They may feel culturally or linguistically alienated from their peers. Studies show that youths who have a mentor are: • 46% less likely to start using drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking. • 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class. • 33% less likely to have engaged in violence against others. • More trusting of and less likely to lie to their parents. • More likely to feel supported and less criticized by peers/friends.
