The first record of mentoring comes from Homer's classic work, The Odyssey. In this epic tale, the adventurer Odysseus is about to depart on a 10-year journey and he leaves his son Telemachus with a servant named Mentor. In the absence of the father, Mentor's role was to guide and inspire Telemachus, the young prince, as he prepared himself for his future task as the ruler of Ithaca.

Throughout the ages, the term "Mentor" has been used to describe individuals who provide the time and care to form a relationship with a less experienced person. The focus of the match is always on "the other," and mentors are concerned about the growth and the development of their Mentee (Mentees). Mentors are also described as individuals who go "above and beyond" in trying to help their Mentee.

Most dictionaries describe a Mentor as " a wise and trusted friend."

Mentoring Benefits
A paper published by Child Trends in February of 2002, reviewed a composite of studies of structured mentoring and they cited the following examples:

Mentee benefits:

* Better chance of going on to real employment.
* Developing skills for financial independence.
* Learning to lead independent lives.
* Learning transportation skills.

Educational Achievement

* Better attendance
* Better chance of going on to higher education
* Better attitudes toward school

Health and Safety

* Promise in the prevention of substance abuse
* Evidence of the reduction of a number of unhealthy behaviors (such as "acting out" behaviors)

Social and Emotional Behaviors<

* Promotion of positive social attitudes

Child Trends also stated that they found "the longer the mentoring relationship, the better the outcome."

Mentor Benefits:

* Enhancement of communication and leadership skills.
* Understanding that mentoring may help to create a positive lifelong outcome for a young person.
* Enjoying the rewards inherent in a caring relationship.
* Experiencing the personal satisfaction that is obtained through the act of giving.

Other Mentor benefits:

* Learning more about supports and resources in the community.
* Meeting and networking with other Mentors.
* Helping to develop future potential employees for your company.
* Going to fun places.

By matching youth with disabilities with mentors who are themselves persons with disabilities and who are successful in their chosen endeavors, the What's Next? Youth Mentoring Program will create Greater Expectations for youth with disabilities to achieve their own successful futures.