Youth advocates say there's an inordinate number of boys and young men struggling with a variety of issues.
"There is a struggle going on with our young men," said Vicente Sarmiento, the 2nd district supervisor for Orange County. "Many young men are thinking about things like anxiety, depression and even things like suicide."
Sarmiento said many people would likely be surprised by the number of young people struggling, especially the number of boys and young men.
"There was a stat that if you go to Angel Stadium... and you fill it three times with young people, that is the number of young people struggling here in the county with mental health challenges," Sarmiento said.
The California Volunteers Office of the Governor issued the challenge to call on 10,000 men to step forward and become mentors at a news conference at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Gov. Gavin Newsom launches California Men's Service challenge aimed to help young boys and men
Gov. Gavin Newsom launches California Men's Service challenge aimed to help young boys and men
They also celebrated one of their many success stories, showcasing the difference Ralph de los Santos of Santa Ana made in the life of a boy he became a mentor to ten years ago.
"It's a very simple process to sign up to do it," said de los Santos about his decision to mentor Alessandro Torrejon.
"Being a young adult and having to go through the typical stuff by yourself can be difficult, and your parents can only do so much. And having someone to help you and guide you is extremely helpful," de los Santos said.
Experts cited several reasons why so many boys are struggling -- from mental health issues to chronic absenteeism in school.
"Right now, about 60% of our college attendants are female," said Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. "For the first time, we are really looking at a crisis with men and boys, and we really feel like it comes back to community and connection.
"So what do we need? We need people to step in and step into a relationship with a young person to make a difference," Keane said.
Anyone interested in volunteering can find information about how to help at California Men's Service Challenge | California Volunteers.