MENTOR ANNOUNCES THE 2026 EXCELLENCE IN MENTORING AWARD HONOREES
January 8, 2026
Press Release, National Mentoring Summit
Mentoring advocates from across the country to be honored at the 2026 National Mentoring Summit, hosted by MENTOR.
Each year, MENTOR, a national nonprofit that fuels high-quality relationship-centered practices for young people, recognizes mentoring leaders from around the country that go above and beyond to positively impact the lives of young people during the annual Excellence in Mentoring Awards presentation.
This year’s honorees include a group of four individuals and entities that have had a profound impact in the mentoring field, directly and indirectly impacting the young people who benefit from the presence of 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 Tony Goldwin 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 enduing 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.
The Echo Award honoree: The Motion Picture & Television Fund
The Motion Picture & Television Fund has demonstrated a visionary commitment to mentoring as a driver of equity, opportunity, and community within the film and television industry. Through its signature program, Passing the Torch, MPTF creates meaningful intergenerational mentoring relationships that honor legacy while opening doors for the next generation, pairing retired industry professionals with students seeking guidance and belonging. By aligning with the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring and through a partnership with MENTOR California, MPTF ensures its program is grounded in evidence, training, and sustained support. Recognized nationally and globally for its innovative, scalable model, MPTF demonstrates how intentional mentoring can combat ageism, strengthen communities, and shape a more inclusive future – both within the entertainment field and beyond.
Public Elevation honoree: Chef Aarón Sánchez, Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund
Aarón Sánchez is committed to expanding opportunities and belonging for young people through mentoring. Through the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, he creates sustained pathways that uplift Latino youth by pairing culinary education with caring adult guidance, helping young people turn passion into viable careers. As an award-winning chef and widely recognized media leader, Sánchez uses his platform to champion diversity in professional kitchens and shift culture so more people can see themselves and thrive in these spaces. Grounded by his family and deep respect for cultural heritage, his purpose-driven leadership inspires others to invest in mentoring as a force for equity, opportunity, and lasting impact.
Public Service (State & Local) honoree: Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has a firm belief that the most complex community challenges are best addressed through human relationships. As mayor, he has consistently elevated mentoring as a cornerstone of Sioux Falls’ vision for safety, opportunity, and thriving young people and families – using his platform to call on residents, businesses, faith communities, and nonprofits to step forward as mentors. Through the creation of the Sioux 52 Mentoring Initiative, Mayor TenHaken helped unite public, private, and nonprofit partners around a shared goal of making Sioux Falls a true “City of Mentors,” resulting in hundreds of new mentors and dozens of programs working collaboratively. Mayor TenHaken has remained steadfast in championing mentoring as a powerful, human-centered solution, demonstrating how civic leadership can inspire lasting, community-wide commitment to mentoring.
About the Excellence in Mentoring (EIM) Awards: Since 2013, MENTOR has presented the Excellence in Mentoring Awards at the National Mentoring Summit. The EIM Awards honor individuals and organizations that have made tremendous contributions to young people and to the mentoring field. Past recipients of the awards include entrepreneur, educator, and Super Bowl champion Marques Colston, the Milwaukee Bucks, U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE), U.S. Senator Cory Booker (NJ), and many more.
Acclaimed actor Tony Goldwin will emcee the Excellence in Mentoring awards presentation ceremony Thursday, February 5, 2026