[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.

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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