National Mentoring Month, 2016

Proclamation 9385 of December 31, 2015

National Mentoring Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

At the heart of America's promise is the belief that we
all do better when everyone has a fair shot at reaching
for their dreams. Throughout our Nation's history,
Americans of every background have worked to uphold
this ideal, joining together in common purpose to serve
as mentors and lift up our country's youth. During
National Mentoring Month, we honor all those who
continuously strive to provide young people with the
resources and support they need and deserve, and we
recommit to building a society in which all mentors and
mentees can thrive in mutual learning relationships.

By sharing their own stories and offering guidance and
advice, mentors can instill a sense of infinite
possibility in the hearts and minds of their mentees,
demonstrating that with hard work and passion, nothing
is beyond their potential. Whether simply offering a
compassionate ear or actively teaching and inspiring
curiosity, mentors can play pivotal roles in young
peoples' lives. When given a chance to use their
talents and abilities to engage in their communities
and contribute to our world, our Nation's youth rise to
the challenge. They make significant impacts in their
communities and shape a brighter future for coming
generations.

My Administration is committed to fostering
opportunities for mentorship--because when our children
have strong, positive role models to look up to, they
grow up to be good neighbors and good fellow citizens.
Through the My Brother's Keeper initiative, we are
working with local governments, businesses, and
charitable organizations across our country to connect
more of our youth to effective mentoring programs and
support networks to reinforce the fact that all young
people are valued and to empower them with the skills
they need to reach their full potential. We have
achieved the highest high school graduation rate on
record--82 percent--and we remain focused on setting
high standards that will help our students graduate
ready for college and careers. In addition, we are
supporting job-driven training initiatives like
apprenticeships so our doers and dreamers can earn and
learn at the same time. And through First Lady Michelle
Obama's Reach Higher initiative, we are working to
ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue
their education and life goals.

Every young person can benefit from having a mentor,
and all people carry unique ideas and experiences they
can employ as a mentor. I encourage all Americans to
visit www.Serve.gov/Mentor to learn more about
opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives
of our youth. This month, let us pledge our support for
our Nation's young people, and let us honor those who
give of themselves to uplift our next generation.
Working together, we can provide every child with the
tools, guidance, and confidence they need to flourish
and succeed.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim January 2016 as
National Mentoring Month. I call upon public officials,
business and community leaders, educators, and
Americans across the country to observe this month with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord
two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.