    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9224--DEC. 31, 2014

    Proclamation 9224 of December 31, 2014

    National Mentoring Month, 2015

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    In a Nation of limitless possibility, every child deserves the chance to
    unlock his or her potential. When young Americans have the support they
    need to make the most of themselves, they can achieve their dreams and
    strengthen our country, which has always moved forward by extending
    ladders of opportunity to the next generation. Every day, mentors play a
    vital role in this national mission by helping to broaden the horizons
    for our daughters and sons. This month, we celebrate these individuals
    who make it their cause to bring out the best in our young people, and
    we salute their spirit of service.
    Mentors and caring adults serve as essential sources of inspiration,
    lifting up young people and positioning them to build the America of
    tomorrow. That is why my Administration continues to expand
    opportunities for mentoring and support the individuals who enable our
    future leaders. We are working with businesses to increase
    apprenticeship programs and connect groups traditionally
    underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math fields
    with role models in STEM careers. First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach
    Higher initiative is encouraging campus groups and college students to
    connect with high schoolers and other near-peers who do not always see
    themselves completing higher education. Earlier this year, I also
    launched My Brother's Keeper, an initiative that recognizes our
    responsibility to reach every young person regardless of who they are or
    where they come from.
    Every American shares in the obligation to widen the circle of
    opportunity for our young people. Our neighbors' children are our
    children--and our country must show them we care about and value their
    boundless potential. At the White House, the First Lady and I started
    mentoring initiatives, pairing local students with accomplished and
    caring professionals, and I am proud that members of my Administration
    are leading by example. To find ways to give back in your local
    community and participate in these critical, life-changing moments, I
    encourage all Americans to visit www.Serve.gov/Mentor.

    [[Page 4313]]

    The sense of dedication displayed by all those who invest their time and
    energy in mentoring reminds us that if we work together, we can ensure
    there are no limits to what young Americans can achieve. During National
    Mentoring Month, we honor all those who give of themselves to guide our
    young people, and we renew our commitment to realizing a future of
    opportunity for all.
    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 2015 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 fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA