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Should race be taken into consideration when assigning mentors to children?

Successful mentoring really hinges upon the strength of the relationship between the mentor and the protg. But because our racial and cultural backgrounds impact how we relate to others on a personal level, I would have to say, "Yes, race should be taken into consideration when assigning mentors to children." However, I also believe that we must ask a follow-up question as well, "Should race be the primary consideration in assigning mentors?" To that I would emphatically reply, "No, not even close!"

Studies of various types of youth mentoring programs have shown that at-risk youngsters often benefit greatly from developing a positive one-on-one relationship with a caring adult. Improved academic performance and a decreased likelihood of engaging in substance abuse, criminal activity or sexual promiscuity are but a few of the demonstrated benefits resulting from the positive influence of a mentor.

As an African-American I am also keenly aware that young people of color may face additional challenges uniquely tied to racial discrimination and learning to adapt and succeed in a world where they are not members of the dominant group. A same-race mentor will likely have faced similar challenges. As a result, he or she may be able to provide practical solutions to these types of challenges based on personal experiences, which a mentor of a different race would not have had. There is also something to be said for young people of color being exposed to successful people who share their own racial or ethnic background.

However, I do not believe that race should be the only or even the primary consideration in determining whether a mentoring relationship will be successful. The ability to listen, to care, to support and encourage a young person and to do whatever it takes to build a relationship based on trust is far more important than simply "matching" in skin color.

Getting to know the young person on a personal level should be the first step for any serious mentor, whether they share the same racial background with the youngster or not. Understanding the family situation, special challenges the child may be facing academically, the type of neighborhood the young person lives in as well as the youngster's talents, hopes and dreams (or lack thereof) will serve as the foundation for building a successful relationship.

The additional challenge for a mentor of a different

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