Lesson 1: An Introduction to Mentors, Social Support, and Social Capital

SCENARIO: A ROUGH DAY AT SCHOOL

Jamal has just finished up a tough day. He’s struggling to find a positive path for his life and is feeling confused about next steps.

Jamal reaches for his phone. He wants to reach out to someone who can help him in this situation. Going to college had been his dream ever since he was in middle school, and he needs some support—someone to advise him on his life goals, or just reassure him that he will eventually feel like he belongs at college.

Fortunately, he has someone he can reach out to at this moment. His uncle is one of his best friends and played a big role in helping Jamal throughout his life. He knows that he can call or text his uncle anytime he wants encouragement.

In this lesson, we’ll talk more about supportive adults like Jamal’s uncle, or mentors—who they are, why they’re important to your success, and what kinds of support they can provide.