Mentoring: A Key Component to the First Niagara Way

Mentoring matters at First Niagara. We are a company that strongly values exceptional service and the importance of anticipating the needs of the community. As part of the First Niagara Way, our company is providing both financial and human resources to organizations that offer guidance to young adults in helping them to reach their fullest potential.

First Niagara's support for mentoring programs throughout New York State

Through a formal "Request for Proposal" process (RFP), First Niagara has made a $500,000 commitment to mentoring programs across our communities. We believe that this financial support will help make a real impact. In addition we encourage our employees to donate their time and talent to support various mentoring programs.

Mentoring: proven results

Statistics that make sense:

• Students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class (Public/Private Ventures study of Big Brothers Big Sisters).
• Young adults who meet regularly with their mentors are 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking (Public/Private Ventures study of Big Brothers Big Sisters).
• About 40% of a teenager's waking hours are spent without companionship or supervision. Mentors provide teens with a valuable place to spend free time.