Approximately 5,000 mentoring programs across the U.S. serve about three million youth, according to the MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that almost 12 million Americans volunteer their time as mentors annually.Each year, 700,000 people are released from federal and state prisons. For many, the transition home is not easy. They face obstacles including poverty, drug abuse, family dysfunction, and lack of access to services and treatment. Failure to reconnect can mean that many end up back in prison. AIR's Roger Jarjoura spoke about the role education plays in helping ex-offenders stay out of the justice system.
