Mentoring is often one component of a program that involves other elements, such as tutoring or life skills training and coaching. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both immediate and long-term and contribute to a host of benefits for mentors and mentees. Potential Educational Benefits. Better academic performance. Further, the study of the program found youth in school-based mentoring programs turned in higher quality class work, did better academically especially in science and written and oral communication , and completed more of their assignments than their peers who did not have mentors.
While a trend toward improved academic performance has been found through research on mentoring programs, Jekielek, Moore and Hair indicate that studies of mentoring programs do not show consistent improved academic outcomes. Better school attendance. For example, youth participating in the Across Ages mentoring program showed a gain of more than a week of classes attended, compared with those youth not participating in the program Jekielek et al.
Positive attitudes. Potential Behavioral Benefits. Decreased likelihood of initiating illegal drug and alcohol use. A BBBS study showed youth with mentors were less likely to begin using drugs or alcohol during the eighteen-month period of the study than their peers. Specifically, 6. These findings were more substantial for minority youth Tierny et al. Decreased violent behavior.
Mentees in the BBBS program were 32 percent less likely to report having hit someone over the past year than the young people without mentors Tierny et al.
Jekielek et al. Other Potential Benefits. Mentoring has also been linked in studies to social-emotional development benefits, improvements in youth perceptions of parental relationships, and better prospects for moving on to higher education.
Mentoring can help youth as they go through challenging life transitions, including dealing with stressful changes at home or transitioning to adulthood. Close, healthy, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees that last for a significant portion of time i.
Without this, mentoring programs run the risk of harming young people who are paired with mentors ill-equipped to meet the mentees' needs. Specifically, relationships with mentors that last less than three months; where there is irregular and inconsistent contact; where there is a disconnect between the personalities, interests, and expectations of the mentors and mentees; where mentors are unprepared and lack skills to relate to youth; and where there is no emotional bond between the mentor and mentee have been found to be harmful to youth Jekielek et al.
Blakely, C. PDF, 2 pages. Cavell, T. Strengthening mentoring opportunities for at-risk youth. Jekielek, S. Parents and guardians are obvious choices, as they are naturally in the lives of youth and are some of the most influential people in their lives.
However, parents and guardians may not possess all the answers, and sometimes, youth need an external person or a variety of people with whom to talk and share their thoughts. Teachers, coaches, ministers and neighbors are great options outside of parents and guardians. Referred to as informal mentors because they are naturally-occurring and not matched, they all have the capacity to be good role models, inspire youth and shape their future.
Mentors for youth are also available through formal and structured mentoring programs. An example is Big Brothers Big Sisters , a one-on-one national mentoring program that matches adult volunteers and children ages 8 to There are also local programs through schools, community groups and faith-based organizations. For an annual leadership development conference, the Youth Leadership Council matches three young adult mentors with 12 high school students.
Other mentoring opportunities can be found through the National Mentoring Partnership website. Why Should I Mentor? As somebody who has mentored youth and believes strongly in the value of mentorship, I ask those of you who are not mentors: Why not? Not only is mentorship beneficial for mentees, mentors gain from the experience. Mentors learn about themselves, enhance their resumes, improve interpersonal skills, develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of youth problems.
Most importantly, mentors gain a sense of accomplishment by positively impacting the life of another person; the process of helping youth achieve their potential and discover their strengths is rewarding in itself. Many of us would not be where we are without the support of mentors.
If we are able, we should pay it forward, and then in turn, mentored youth will pay it forward and mentor others. They can shape our future, all by us mentoring and shaping theirs. Once your child has started finding their passions, the app can connect you with the parents of other children nearby who share those interests. Try Hello Genius free for 30 days.
Mentors vs. Teachers Having a community of supportive people is crucial for any kid, and teachers are an obvious part of that community. Emotional Support The parent-child bond is paramount for nurturing and emotional support. Positive Role Models Nobody can replace the model you provide for your children and the lessons parents have to teach them. Search for: Search. Categories Blog 32 Press 12 Uncategorized 6. Tags Arab News Authority best learning websites for kids CES child education plan children learning styles connecting with children Crunchbase e-learning apps for education Forbes fun learning activities how children learn how do children learn best how to connect with your child kids education plan kids learning fun kids learning styles kids learning websites learning app for pre k Los Angeles Business Journal MSN new year resolution for elementary students new year resolutions for parents Startup Savant.
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