Power2, a nonprofit focused on closing the opportunity gap for young people, just started a new mentoring initiative. This remarkable initiative connects older teens with younger kids, using mentorship to ease anxious teenagers back into the school environment and increase their attendance. The program functions hugely successfully in London and Manchester. Despite this shortcoming, it has provided effective support to more than 27,000 children and young people over its long history.
The mentoring program has teens going to local nurseries once a week to mentor younger kids. Through this engagement, younger students provide a path to inspire their older peers to take ownership and be empowered. In turn, this fosters more positive dispositions to their academic pursuits. While the program focuses on a 16-week experience, the youth participants have made tremendous strides in how they connect with their schools.
Stats show that 78% of youth participating in the program say they have a better outlook on learning. Furthermore, 83% experience enhanced self-esteem. Sam Marcus, the nonprofit’s director of services, emphasizes just how important these findings are. They are critical to addressing the expanding issue of school absences.
Research reveals that just ten days of absence can drastically reduce a student’s chances of achieving at least a grade 5 in English and Maths. As we all know, the pandemic has led to school absence rates surging. During the 2024/25 academic year, almost 1 in 6 pupils (17.79%) were considered persistently absent. Programs like Power2’s are more important now than ever in helping to flip the script.
Her dental and overall health is better. Her school attendance has more than doubled since she became part of the Healthy Teeth Project. This is one of the many examples that show how mentorship truly helps little kids and affects the big kids, or teenagers, in amazing ways.
“The toddler I’m paired with has grown so much and it makes me so happy to see.”
As Miller, a 12-year-old participant, explains, he confesses that he has a hard time paying attention in class because he is too amped up from all the excess energy. He explains how the sessions have helped him channel that energy more effectively:
He now appreciates the warmth and connection he feels with his mentee:
“I was a bit nervous and it took me two weeks to say yes to the project as I was really shy.”
The program’s structure allows teenagers like Miller to take on significant responsibilities, which experts believe can lead to greater engagement with their own education. Dr. Weisberg, an expert in child development, notes that giving older students this responsibility often leads to empowerment:
“When he sees me he runs up to me and gives me a hug.”
Power2’s mentoring program is a great example of how intentional support can help build resilience in young people. It responds to their academic needs, but also their social and emotional needs. Sue Armstrong, a child psychologist, underscores the complexity of supporting anxious teens:
“It gives them a responsibility and empowerment to learn from what works and what doesn’t and they feel like they are making a real difference.”
Armstrong advocates for collaboration between schools and charities to enhance support systems for students:
“You may feel you’re being pulled in every direction, having to keep a job going and support your child when they may be feeling very anxious and confused, that there’s no space left for you.”
She further advises families on managing anxiety during these challenging times:
“Make sure the school are on the same page and there are lots of charities and support available to make things better.”
The hands-on nature of the mentoring program meets educators’ urgent needs on the frontlines. It further strengthens everyone’s understanding of exactly how to support mental health in educational settings. Power2 fosters an empowering model where older students motivate and inspire younger ones. This strategy creates positive relationships for both sides.
“It’s important to try not to feel guilty or that this is somehow your fault.”
The mentoring program not only addresses immediate educational needs but also contributes to a wider understanding of how to support mental health in educational settings. By creating a nurturing environment where older students can guide younger ones, Power2 is helping to forge connections that benefit both parties.
