As the boy crisis in America intensifies, Boys to Men Mentoring (B2M) is providing a crucial solution for teenage boys in San Diego County. The statistics are alarming: boys are diagnosed with ADHD at twice the rate of girls, account for 70 percent of failing grades, and have a suicide rate that is four times higher. Additionally, boys are five times more likely to be incarcerated. These issues impact all boys, not just those growing up without fathers, and point to the larger mental health struggles boys face, such as anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors like substance abuse.
At the core of these struggles is societal pressure on boys to suppress their emotions, excel academically or athletically, and navigate the challenges of addictions to video gaming or inappropriate online content. Family and cultural expectations further complicate boys’ emotional and mental health, leaving them feeling isolated and unable to express vulnerability.
Boys without a stable male role model face even greater disadvantages. Nationally, 34 percent of boys grow up in fatherless households, putting them at a heightened risk of academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Research shows that having a mentor or positive male role model can dramatically reduce these risks. Boys with mentors are more likely to stay in school, avoid high-risk behaviors, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth. B2M Mentoring directly addresses this need by partnering with local middle and high schools, offering boys a safe space to share their feelings and fears. In weekly group mentoring sessions, B2M provides the consistent guidance these boys need to build emotional resilience and positive life paths.
As Co-founder Joe Sigurdson shares with GB Magazine, “We are not here to fix, rescue, or give advice. Our mentors lend a listening ear, accept our boys where they are right now, and share their own stories of hardship to let them know they are not alone.” This approach allows mentors to build trust with the boys, helping them navigate their challenges without judgment.
One powerful example of B2M’s life-changing impact is Jed’s story. Six years ago, Jed was a shy, reserved boy facing homelessness with his family. Despite his challenges, he remained kind and generous. After receiving a donor-advised grant, Jed immediately chose to buy groceries for the shelter that had supported his family – a true testament to his empathy and strength of character.
Through B2M, Jed discovered his passions for music and surfing, and became a peer guide during Adventure Mountain Weekends, helping other boys in the program. In 2022, he shared his story at a B2M event, standing before a crowd of over 100 people alongside world-renowned surfer Shaun Thompson. Today, Jed is active in his school’s ROTC program and aspires to become a drone pilot, his leadership shining through as he participates in the 100 Wave Challenge with his Boys Team.
Mentorship is the foundation of B2M’s mission. Just one to two hours a week can change a young man’s life forever. B2M is always seeking men willing to share their time, experience, and wisdom to guide boys on their journey toward adulthood.
For more information or to become a mentor, visit www.boystomen.org.
