Smith Announces Bipartisan Effort to Increase Male Educators and Mentors

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2026) - Today, Washington Congressman Adam Smith introduced a two-bill package-the Educators for America Act and the Building Community in America Act-to expand pathways for Americans to serve as teachers, mentors, and volunteers. The bills bolster paid teaching opportunities and national service programs to boost recruitment, with a focus on increasing the number of men participating. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is leading companion legislation in the Senate, and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) is a cosponsor of the Building Community in America Act.

The legislation addresses teacher shortages, declining community engagement, and increasing concerns about loneliness and disconnection among young people. Men today make up just 23 percent of public-school teachers and 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers, despite the important role teachers, mentors, and volunteers play in young people's development. These bills reflect the work of many organizations that have spent years highlighting these challenges and advancing practical, community-based solutions.

"Boys in this country are struggling-in school, in work, and in life. Part of the reason is that so many of them are growing up without men showing up for them, as teachers, coaches, or mentors," said Congressman Smith. "This legislation starts to fix that by getting more men into the classrooms and service programs where kids actually spend their time. I'm proud to lead this effort in the House."

"Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve," said Kelly. "My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers, and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off."

"At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose," said Curtis. "By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected."

"We need good men - mentors, leaders and role models - in our communities and in our classrooms. The best antidote to a bad man online is a good man in flesh and blood, in the lives of our boys. The declining share of men in K-12 teaching and in community organizations ought to be setting off alarm bells across the country. Sen. Kelly's bills represent a serious effort to address this problem, and are the first of their kind. It is easy to talk about the importance of male role models. These bills actually do something to promote them," said Richard V. Reeves President, American Institute for Boys and Men.

"Connection is one of the strongest protective factors a young person can have. As the father of four boys, I know how important it is for young people to have caring adults who model respect, responsibility, and service. We appreciate Senator Kelly's leadership in expanding opportunities for more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers and helping more young people build those meaningful relationships," said Usiel Barrios, Director of Strategic Development at Amistades.

"Every day, I have the privilege of helping young men find guidance, purpose, and hope for the future. When boys are surrounded by strong mentors and a community rooted in faith, service, and compassion, they grow into better men, fathers, leaders, and neighbors. We appreciate Senator Kelly for recognizing the importance of mentorship and service, and we're grateful for his leadership on the Building Community in America Act. We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen families and our community," said Pastor David L. Wade.

The legislation is also supported by the American Institute for Boys and Men, the National Education Association, the National Rural Education Association, the National Center for Teacher Residencies, and MENTOR.

Click here to view the full list of supporting organizations and statements.

Background:

America's schools and communities are facing shortages of teachers, mentors, and volunteers at a time when many young people report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. Men made up one-third of public-school teachers in the early 1980s but account for just 23 percent today. Only 17 percent of bachelor's degrees in education are earned by men, and one in eight teaching positions nationwide is either vacant or filled by a non-fully certified teacher. Research suggests male teachers can have a positive impact on boys' academic outcomes.

Community engagement has also declined in recent decades. Research shows volunteering strengthens social connections, improves mental and physical health, and increases civic engagement, yet men represent just 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers. Boys also face longer waitlists for mentors, and one in four boys and young men lacks an adult male mentor they can rely on.

The Educators for America Act would:

• Ensure federally supported Teacher Quality Partnership residency programs prioritize the recruitment and selection of teacher candidates who are underrepresented in the profession, including men.

• Strengthen the teacher workforce by expanding pathways into the classroom through teacher residency programs, which allow aspiring teachers to earn while they learn.

• Help schools recruit more educators while increasing access to positive role models for students.

The Building Community in America Act would:

• Prioritize national service programs that recruit and train underrepresented participants, including men.

• Expand opportunities to serve in youth mentoring, after-school programs, conservation, disaster response, public safety, violence interruption, reentry services, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce development.

• Strengthen communities by encouraging more Americans to volunteer, mentor, and serve.

Click here to read the full text of the Educators for America Act and here for a one-pager.

Click here to read the full text of the Building Community in America Act here for a one-pager.