Mentor Program Essay

561 Words2 Pages

Research demonstrates that youth who participate in mentoring relationships experience a multitude of positive benefits. In the US today, 18 million young people, nearly half the youth population want or need mentors to help them reach their full potential, and nearly 44 million adults say they are willing to become mentors. Yet, due to capacity limitations, only 3 million youngsters are in formal mentoring relationships. This leaves nearly 15 million American young people still in need of mentors; these young people comprise the nation's mentoring gap (MENTOR, 2010).
Main Question I In order to answer the main question of this paper: what are school-based mentor programs? One must understand the basic aspect that are the foundations …show more content…

He stated, “The students get referred to the school-based mentor programs from the school guidance counselors, teachers and staff.” In addition he expressed that “the school setting allows for issues both academic and social to be addressed in a timely manner and in a familiar environment.” The research showed that some school-based programs are administered through state financed programs, for instance, in New Jersey they have a program in each of their school districts that is funded by the state and administered by the Department of Child and Family Services. This program is called School Based Youth Services Program (NJ School Based Youth Services, n.d.). Other, states offer programs through local organization that provides the counselors and staff for the programs. Like, private, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, and community groups. Unfortunately, these type of programs depend on private funding, which is difficult to get and maintain. School-based programs take time to develop, a lot of patience and great deal of structure that will allow for building relationships and trust. A great deal of cooperation and collaboration is needed for all involved. They may offer mental health and family counseling with access to preventative health services, substance abuse counseling, in some programs, occupational services, life skills, and recreation, which enhance and assist with social skills. (NJ School Based Youth Services,

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