Athens‐Clarke County also benefits from a program like
CCMP. We are currently experiencing a qualified
workforce shortage. Employers o en complain that they
can’t find qualified talent. According to Mentoring: At the
crossroads of educa on, business and community, the
human poten al lost as a result of the educa onal
achievement gap is the economic equivalent of a
permanent na onal recession. By preparing young people
for college and careers, mentoring helps develop the
future workplace talent pipeline. Mentors can prepare
their mentees for professional careers and assist with their
workplace skills by helping set career goals and taking the
steps to realize them. Mentees who are taught and
encouraged to take the right path are 46% less likely than
their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to
start drinking according to Public/Private Ventures study
of Big Brothers Big Sisters. This means a safer community
and