Building a SchoolBased Mentor Program

1
Building a School-Based Mentor Program

• Mentoring Matters!
• Presenter Shelley Prince
• MentorWorks Specialist
• Fairfax County Public Schools

2
Steps to Success

• Building a successful school-based mentor program
  is like building a house. You need
• A solid foundation
• The right tools
• Creativity Enthusiasm
• Patience

3
The Foundation

• Needs Assessment
• Mission Statement
• Program Design
• Mentor and Mentee Eligibility
• Marketing and Recruitment Strategies
• Screening Procedures
• Materials and Forms Preparation

4
Needs Assessment Leads to a Mission Statement

• A well constructed needs assessment helps to see
  the big picture and helps define STRENGTHS
• and
• WEAKNESSES

5
Types of Data

• Statistical data
• Examples Test Scores
• Free reduced lunch
• Drop out rates
• Number of retentions
• Attendance
• Positive recognition
  and
• accomplishments

6
Subjective Data

• Input from interviews, meetings, forums, focus
  groups, surveys and more.
• Teachers
• Administrators
• Parents
• Students
• and

7
Mission Not Impossible

• A mission statement is a clear and concise
  statement indicating the overall purpose of your
  program. It defines where you hope to go.

8
Ready-Set-Go

• Develop a timeline.
• Prepare a recruitment strategy
• Define eligibility
• Obtain parent permission.
• Match mentor and mentee.

9
Resources

• Consider funding needs
• Initial and sustaining
• Short-term?
• Long term?
• Look for
• Grants
• Local business support
• Fundraising
• In-kind donations

10
Recruitment

• How many?
• Define requirements and motivators.
• Clarify job description.
• Identify sources.
• Communicate.

11
Screening

• Safety is of UTMOST importance!
• (Application, interviews, references, background
  checks)

12
Training

• Mentee training
• Etiquette
• Scheduling
• Procedures
• Expectations

13
Orientation vs. Training

• Orientation includes
• program overview,
• process, policies,
• logistics etc.
• vs.
• Training includes dos and
• donts, communication skills,
• confidentiality guidelines,
• problem solving and cultural
• and diversity awareness.

14
MATCHING!

• Criteria to consider
• Gender Special needs
• Life experiences Age Interests
• Language Requirements
• Temperament
• Expressed preferences

15
What is a mentor?

• A mentor is a caring, responsible adult who
  encourages a student to develop strengths and
  abilities.
• A mentor is a role model, a friend, a guide, a
  listener, a motivator, and an advocate.

16
What a mentor is NOT

• A mentor is not
• A substitute parent
• A social worker or therapist
• An ATM machine
• Understanding WHAT a mentor is and is not is a
  key ingredient for program success.

17
Support and Monitoring

• Ongoing support and monitoring are
• ESSENTIAL.
• Support the relationship, continue training,
  facilitate peer support, manage grievances, offer
  feedback, maintain written records and provide
  resources.

18
Recognition

• Celebrations Meals, desserts, picnics, parties,
  special events, etc.
• Acknowledgements Written communications,
  announcements, certificates, pictures,
  compliments, etc.
• Show appreciation!!!

19
Closure

• Think circular
• Allow for private discussion
• (exit interviews)
• State policy for future contacts
• Provide transitional assistance

20
Evaluation

• Measure program process For example
• Number of new matches
• Number of mentor meetings
• Measure outcomes For example
• Mentees and mentors reports
• Graduation rates
• Discipline referrals
• Share this information with stakeholders.

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Why evaluate??

• Determine what you want to evaluate.
• Evaluations should reflect program goals.
• Evaluation tells your programs story.
• Evaluations clarify if mentoring is making a
  difference.
• Evaluations helps improve services.
• Evaluations assist successful marketing and
  fundraising.

22
Remember

• Never believe that a few caring people cant
  change the world,. For indeed, thats all who
  ever have. Margaret Mead

23
Contact Information

• Shelley Prince, MentorWorks Specialist
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Phone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• Email Shelley.Prince_at_FCPS.EDU

24
Thank you for your time!

• Best wishes as you build programs and truly
• Make a difference in a life!
• Shelley Prince