S.Res. 55: A resolution recognizing January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month".
Sponsor
Sheldon Whitehouse
Democrat · RI
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Feb 4, 2025
Passed the Senate, received in House
Why it matters
Mentoring is proven to boost student success, but many young people still lack access.
Mentoring connects young people to caring adults who guide them in school, career choices, and personal growth. Research shows students with mentors are more likely to do well in class, avoid risky behaviors, and believe in themselves. Recognition from the Senate aims to raise awareness of this important work and encourage more Americans to get involved.
The resolution doesn't fund new programs or change any laws—it simply designates January 2025 as a special month to honor mentors and mentoring programs. With bipartisan support and 25 cosponsors, it highlights widespread agreement on the value of mentorship. The initiative also gives a platform to local and national mentoring organizations, making it easier to recruit volunteers and attract resources.
While the resolution is symbolic, it could fuel momentum for future policies or funding to support mentorship nationwide. It also gives educators and youth-serving groups a reason to celebrate and organize events, hoping to reach students who could use extra guidance. The move signals that Congress is paying attention to non-traditional ways of supporting student achievement—beyond the classroom.
What does S.Res. 55 do?
Official recognition of National Mentoring Month
Designates January 2025 as a month to celebrate and promote mentoring across the U.S.
Encouragement of mentor participation
Urges Americans to become mentors and support mentoring programs in their communities.
Raising public awareness
Calls for highlighting the positive impact mentors have on young people’s lives.
Support for mentoring organizations
Acknowledges and uplifts the work of groups connecting youth with mentors.
Celebration of mentoring’s impact
Encourages recognition events and educational campaigns around mentorship.
Who benefits from S.Res. 55?
Students and young people
Gain more access to mentors who can help guide academic and personal growth.
Mentors
Receive formal recognition and encouragement for their volunteer service.
Mentoring organizations
Get a national spotlight to recruit volunteers and raise awareness.
Schools and educators
Find extra support for students through increased mentor involvement.
Who is affected by S.Res. 55?
Community members
Are encouraged to volunteer their time and resources as mentors.
Local governments
May host or support community mentoring events during January.
Businesses
Could be urged to support employee mentoring or partner with youth programs.
Policymakers
May feel public pressure to fund or expand mentoring initiatives in the future.
SRES55 Legislative Journey
Floor Action
Feb 4, 2025
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S599-600; text: CR S598-599)
About the Sponsor
Sheldon Whitehouse
Democrat, RI · 19 years in Congress
Committees: Environment and Public Works, United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
View full profile →
Cosponsors (25)
This bill has 25 cosponsors: 18 Democrats, 5 Republicans, 2 Independents, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 19 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and 16 more.
Markwayne Mullin
Republican · OK
Tammy Baldwin
Democrat · WI
John Barrasso
Republican · WY
Richard Blumenthal
Democrat · CT
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Democrat · DE
Cory Booker
Democrat · NJ
Katie Britt
Republican · AL
Christopher Coons
Democrat · DE
Tammy Duckworth
Democrat · IL
Richard Durbin
Democrat · IL
Maggie Hassan
Democrat · NH
James Lankford
Republican · OK
S.Res. 55 Quick Facts
- Chamber
- Senate
- Policy
- Education
- Introduced
- Feb 4, 2025
Passed the Senate, received in House
Feb 4, 2025
S.Res. 55 Bill Text
“Recognizing January 2025 as “National Mentoring Month”.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Get notified when S.Res. 55 moves
Committee votes, floor action, cosponsor changes — straight to your inbox.
Bill alerts + Legisletter's monthly briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
Education Bills
9 related bills we're tracking
Safe Schools Improvement Act
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Mar 3, 2025
IDEA Full Funding Act
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Apr 2, 2025
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Sep 18, 2025
American Teacher Act
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Mar 10, 2025
Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 4, 2026
REDI Act
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Mar 11, 2025
Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
May 29, 2025
Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Practices Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Feb 11, 2026
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Apr 7, 2025
Trending Right Now
Bills gaining momentum across Congress
Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Mar 5, 2026
Healthy Families Act
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 12, 2026
Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 17, 2026
Tracking Education in Congress? Monitor bills, track cosponsor momentum, and launch advocacy campaigns — all from one advocacy platform.