Friends for Youth represents the gold standard in the mentoring field.  Mentoring programs throughout the country have requested technical assistance in setting up and enhancing their own mentoring programs.  Friends for Youth’s Mentoring Institute was created to address that need and share information on Recommended Best Practices through products, trainings, and an Annual Conference

Founded in 1979, The organization's Mentoring Services program has helped nearly 2,000 youth-in-need reach their full potential. The organization's 90% success rate of creating long-term mentoring matches is far above the national average. Studies have consistently shown that youth in the organization's program improve their motivation and school performance, demonstrate increased self-esteem and resiliency, and rarely have future involvement with the Juvenile Justice System. Mentoring works.