“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”  Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson’s words were taped to my desk at home for many years as my son was growing up.  Their meaning is apt for many educators and other adults who inspire and support youth, including American Graduate Champion Charlie Bean of the St. Louis Public Schools.

January is National Mentoring Month and Public Media’s initiative American Graduate will have a large presence during the National Mentoring Summit, Jan. 27-29, including Charlie Bean and one of his mentees — or “beans” as calls them — Malik Avery.

Learn more about who will be at the summit and the discussions here.  You can find even more on the National MENTOR website.  And at WGBY’s American Graduate website you can recognize yourself and/or others who commit time, skills and resources to make sure that young people succeed.