“This is Why We All Show Up”: How Supporting Youth Cultivates Hope, Purpose, and Well-Being of Adult Mentors

Abstract

This study explores the development of adult mentors participating in a summer youth program, focusing on how mentoring relationships and shared activities with youth impact mentors' personal and professional growth. The analysis integrates focus group data and participant observations collected over the course of the weeklong program to identify key themes. Findings reveal that affirming mentor-youth connections within the program's youth-initiated, collaborative mentoring model enhanced mentors' sense of hope, purpose, and well-being. However, role ambiguity, particularly around how to collaborate with other adults to support youth, generated challenges for mentors. These insights contribute to the understanding of adult mentor development and adjustment and provide practical recommendations for designing youth programs that foster growth for both mentors and mentees.