[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 44 (Thursday, March 29, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H1338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1600
                         MENTORING FOR SUCCESS

  (Mr. OSBORNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, if we could create a program that would 
reduce absenteeism from school by 53 percent, drug and alcohol abuse by 
nearly 50 percent, teenage violence by 30 percent, and substantially 
reduce teenage pregnancy, gang involvement and dropout rates, would 
this be a desirable program? Obviously, the answer to this question is 
yes.
  Next week, I will introduce the Mentoring For Success Act, 
establishing a national mentoring program through the Department of 
Education. This legislation will connect children who have the greatest 
need with a responsible adult mentor who has received training and 
support in mentoring, been screened through background checks, and is 
interested in working with youth.
  An adult mentor provides a child with support, encouragement, 
academic assistance, and a vision of what is possible.
  Each year, we spend billions of dollars on education, yet see little 
improvement in dropout rates and test scores. We spend billions of 
dollars on incarceration and juvenile justice programs, yet have very 
high recidivism rates.
  Through one-to-one mentoring, we have a chance to make a difference. 
Please join me in support of the Mentoring For Success Act.

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