Mentoring is vital for the economy

An experienced leader in business, Chuck Slocum, wrote a challenging article in today's StarTribune, "Mentors are needed so fewer kids will fail". He invites business leaders and others to respond to the challenge of "Eliminating Throwaway Kids". It is estimated that more than half of the 60,000 kindergartners entering school in Minnesota are not fully prepared. Sadly, about 25% will be unable to catch up. Without intervention, such as mentoring, the cost to society over time often includes unemployment, crime, drug dependency and unwanted children. Mr. Slocum points out that of the more than 5 million residents within the state of Minnesota about 1 million are 18 or younger. Tragically, we can predict that about 300,000 of these children and youth are on a failure tract. One business leader commented "We in Minnesota can't afford to have hundreds of thousands of potential new workers shelved when we need them the most."

The article also noted that it costs a family about $220,000 to raise one child from birth to adulthood. Yet, 40 million Americans are living below the poverty line of $20,000 a year income for a family of four. This includes about 15 million children.

Thanks to Mr. Slocum for raising this significant concern and opportunity. We need people from the business and faith communities to respond to the challenge. Our common futures depend on it. If you are interested in getting the word out about mentoring within your business or place of worship please contact Kinship today, www.kinship.org, 612-588-4655.