The Transformative Power of Teammates Mentoring

by Molly Nance

From its roots in Lincoln, Nebraska, the TeamMates Mentoring program offers support and connection for young people and the caring adults who serve as mentors. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Tom Osborne, the legendary University of Nebraska head football coach, and his wife Nancy, TeamMates is the largest school-based mentoring program in the nation that has served more than 50,000 students since its inception and proudly serves 10,000 students in 188 chapters across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri, and Wyoming. The program’s mission is simple yet profound: to positively impact the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential through mentoring.

“Mentoring matters because students matter,” said TeamMates Chief Executive Officer DeMoine Adams. “The opportunity we have to positively impact young people through mentoring is the driving force behind the TeamMates Mentoring organization.”

What is the TeamMates Mentoring Program?

At its core, TeamMates pairs compassionate adult volunteers with students ranging from third grade through post-secondary. These mentor-mentee matches meet once a week at school during the academic year, engaging in activities ranging from playing board games and doing arts and crafts to simply talking and sharing a moment of their day. The consistent presence of a mentor provides students with a safe space to express themselves, receive guidance, and develop their interests and talents. Unlike traditional tutoring programs, TeamMates focuses on building supportive relationships that bolster students’ emotional and social well-being rather than solely academic performance.

Benefits for Mentees

The benefits of participating as a mentee in TeamMates are wide-reaching and deeply impactful. Young people in the program receive the gift of time with a caring, trusting adult who listens, encourages, and believes in their potential. For many students, especially those facing challenges at home or school, this relationship can be life-changing.

Improved Academic Engagement: Students with mentors often show increased attendance, motivation, and engagement in their studies. The sense of accountability and encouragement from a mentor can be a powerful motivator. According to 2024-2025 TeamMates Mentoring survey results:

   •  61% of TeamMates mentees showed an improvement in grades,

   •  71% of TeamMates mentees had fewer unexcused absences, and

   •  87% of TeamMates mentees had fewer disciplinary referrals.

•  Stronger Social Skills: Regular interactions with mentors help students develop better communication and interpersonal skills, leading to healthier relationships with peers and adults alike.

•  Greater Self-Confidence: Having a mentor who believes in them bolsters students’ self-esteem and helps them set and achieve personal goals.

•  Vision for the Future: Mentors provide guidance on goal-setting and encourage students to imagine and plan for a fulfilling future, whether that involves college, technical training, or entering the workforce.

Benefits for Mentors

While the positive impact on mentees is apparent, TeamMates also profoundly affects those who volunteer as mentors. Many adults join hoping to make a difference, only to find their own lives enriched in unexpected ways.

•  Sense of Purpose: Mentors often report a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment from knowing they play a crucial role in a young person’s life.

•  Personal Growth: Through their weekly interactions, mentors develop patience, empathy, and understanding, enhancing their own communication and relationship-building skills.

•  Community Connection: Becoming a TeamMates mentor helps adults feel more connected to their community and its future, as they actively contribute to shaping the next generation. Per 2024-2025 TeamMates Mentoring survey results, 92% of mentors report that they leave their mentoring time in a better mood than when they arrived.

•  Mutual Learning: Mentors frequently learn as much from their mentees as they teach, gaining fresh perspectives and insights from the younger generation.

Building Relationships, Lifelong Success

The TeamMates Mentoring program is more than just a volunteer opportunity — it is a catalyst for lifelong growth and transformation. By fostering meaningful relationships, TeamMates empowers both mentors and mentees to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and strive for success. In doing so, the program not only enriches individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of the entire Lincoln community.

To learn more about how you can support TeamMates, or become a mentor, please visit teammates.org/. 

Editor’s Note
TeamMates is one of many mentoring programs making a difference in Lincoln. Others include:

•  MentorLNK – A coalition of 25+ local programs with a tool to match mentors with opportunities.

•  Visionary Youth – MIND – Innovative mentoring in barbershops, paired with group counseling.

•  MENTOR Nebraska – Provides statewide support, training, and resources to strengthen mentoring.

•  Big Brothers Big Sisters – Matches “Bigs” with “Littles” for lasting one-on-one mentoring relationships.

•  Additional Programs – TRIO Educational Talent Search at UNL, Foster Care Mentoring, and community organizations such as The Bay, Lighthouse, Malone Center, FoodNet, The Cat House, Mourning Hope and Habitat for Humanity.

Lincoln offers a wide network of programs—each with unique strengths—so young people can find the support they need to succeed.