Mentoring Is the Key to Keeping Kids in School

This op-ed was originally posted on Feb. 5, 2026, in PennLive. 

Every student who beats the odds and stays in school shares one common thread: a caring adult who saw their potential. That person checked in during absences, encouraged them through setbacks, and affirmed their worth, proving that one relationship can change everything.

At Communities In Schools® of Pennsylvania (CISPA), we prioritize this foundational basic: forging one-on-one bonds between students and trusted adults. Academic gains and better attendance follow only after students feel truly seen and supported, especially amid hardship.

For Pennsylvania’s vulnerable youth facing poverty, trauma, food insecurity, or homelessness, this isn’t optional—it’s often the lifeline keeping school viable when life feels anything but.

Pennsylvania’s dropout crisis burdens every taxpayer through hidden, compounding expenses. In 2022-2023 alone, 13,253 students dropped out statewide, contributing to underemployment, welfare reliance, and criminal justice demands. Dropouts earn roughly 40% less lifetime income—about $20,000 annually versus $34,000 for graduates—slashing state tax revenues while inflating public assistance costs.

Each dropout costs Pennsylvania $683 more per year in net public spending than they generate, totaling over $80 million annually statewide. They’re 3.5 times more likely to be arrested and eight times more prone to incarceration, driving up corrections expenses that all residents fund. Re-engaging just half could yield $1.1 billion in economic gains over a decade. With overall graduation at 87.6% and cyber charters lagging at 65%, and a projected 17% decline in graduates by 2041 due to demographic shifts, these fiscal drains will worsen without action.

Decades of research affirm that mentoring is an antidote to dropout. Mentored students boost GPAs by 2-20%, cut course failures by 22-35%, earn 3-5 more credits, and gain half a year of schooling—raising college enrollment by 19-46%. They show 62% higher self-esteem, 52% fewer absences, 48% better grades, and 49% less school misconduct.

Big Brothers Big Sisters data reveal that mentees skip 37% fewer classes, initiate drugs 46% less, drink alcohol 27% less, and fight far less. Each additional mentoring month lifts graduation odds by 7%; in-person contact adds 11%. Mentored youth attend school 52% more regularly and pursue college 55% more often. These gains translate directly to dropout prevention, proving that relationships drive retention.

CISPA embeds trained coordinators in schools across seven counties, building trust, spotting risks, and delivering integrated supports—from tutoring and counseling to basic needs. In 2024-2025, 82% of our 693 case-managed students improved academically, 66% boosted attendance, and we reached 16,000+ students and 54,000 parents with nearly 4,000 essentials like food and clothing.

Earlier, 76% of 739 cases advanced both attendance and academics; 81% improved behavior. Affiliates achieve 99% school engagement and graduation for case-managed youth, with partners logging 66% attendance jumps, 82% academic progress, and 99% on-time diplomas. 

Pennsylvania schools can partner with CISPA to deploy consistent, data-informed mentors, seamlessly blending volunteers and resources. Lawmakers, educators, and philanthropists: fund these models to slash dropout costs, build workforces, and secure futures.

The math is clear—mentoring saves taxpayer dollars while saving lives. Every dropout avoided means billions recirculated into communities, not deficits.

Investing in mentoring isn’t optional; it’s essential to academic success and to preventing dropout. Lawmakers, educators, and philanthropists must prioritize funding for proven programs amid growing needs. Imagine the ripple effect: fewer dropouts mean stronger communities, workforces, and futures.

Throughout the remainder of 2026, commit to one student. Notice them. Check in. Stay when it’s hard. Together, we can turn the odds in their favor—relationship by relationship.

Jessica Knapp is president & state director of Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania.