Mentor Announces the 2026 Excellence in Mentoring Award Honorees

Mentoring advocates from across the country will be honored at the 2026 National Mentoring Summit, hosted by MENTOR.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / January 12, 2026 / Each year, MENTOR, a national nonprofit that fuels high-quality, relationship-centered practices for young people, recognizes mentoring leaders from around the country who go above and beyond to positively impact young people at the Excellence in Mentoring Awards presentation.

This year's honorees include four individuals and entities who have had a profound impact on the mentoring field, directly and indirectly shaping the young people who benefit from a caring mentor.

"MENTOR is proud to celebrate the 2026 Excellence in Mentoring honorees - waymakers who remind us of what's possible when we choose to show up for young people with consistency, care, and commitment," said MENTOR's CEO, Jermaine Myrie. "Their work and leadership strengthen the youth mentoring movement by expanding access to supportive relationships and elevating what quality mentoring can look like in communities across the country. At a time when so many young people are navigating uncertainty, these honorees stand as proof that relationships can be a powerful force for belonging, opportunity, and hope. We're inspired by their example and grateful for the momentum they help build for a future where every young person can thrive because someone believes in them."

Acclaimed actor and director Tony Goldwyn will serve as the emcee at the awards presentation ceremony on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, DC.

This year's recipients are:

Lifetime Achievement honoree: Dr. David DuBois, University of Illinois, Chicago

Dr. David DuBois has made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to the mentoring movement for more than three decades. His groundbreaking research has shaped the field's understanding of how mentoring relationships work and identified the practices that lead to strong, lasting outcomes for young people and volunteers alike. Through landmark meta-analyses and semiannual studies, Dr. DuBois has provided evidence that empowers policymakers, funders, and practitioners to scale mentoring as a proven support for youth. As the chair of the National Mentoring Resource Center Research Board, he has ensured that the field remains grounded in rigor while never losing sight of the human relationships at the heart of mentoring.