The importance of a mentoring program is partly the result of the conditions in which young people increasingly live in throughout America, especially urban America. Wide spread family breakdown, erosion of neighborhood ties, and time demand of the single parent work load, has created a situation in which few young people have, not even one, significant close relationship with a non-parental adult before actually reaching adulthood. For inner-city youth, the problem of having positive adult role models is compounded by the relatively higher rates of single parent homes, the existence of fewer working adults, the strength of youth gangs, and more prevalent substance abuse. Mentoring programs for youth have help fill this need for positive adult role models, support, and guidance.

The Youths Can Win mentoring program is designed to have men and women, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, that will work with youths in Chicago and the surrounding communities. Through a mentoring relationship, adult volunteers and participating youths make a significant commitment of time and energy to develop relationships devoted to personal, academic, or career development and social, athletic, or artistic growth. So, while the parent is out working the child may be less likely to participate in an environment that is plagued with crime, violence, drug-sales, and gang activity.

After an extensive interviewing process and background check, the youth will be matched up with a volunteer mentor. They will meet at least two to three times during a seven-day period, for a total of eight to twelve days a month. Any time mentors spend with youth, will be logged.