Online Resources - Program Design & Management
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To view many of these online resources, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software which, if your computer does not already have it, can be downloaded from the Adobe site at: www.adobe.com/acrobat/readstep.html.
- Foundations of Successful Youth Mentoring: A Guidebook for Program Development (published by the National Mentoring Center)
Written for program administrators, board members, mentoring staff, and others interested in establishing or improving youth mentoring programs, this 110-page guidebook lays the foundation for a mentoring program's long-term success and the safety and well-being of the youth they serve. The guidebook identifies five critical foundations of successful youth mentoring and delivers specific guidance on how to optimize them in new and existing mentoring programs. Includes self-assessment questions, listings of other key resources, detailed checklists, and planning timelines.
Available as a PDF at: http://gwired.gwu.edu/hamfish/merlin-cgi/p/downloadFile/d/20699/n/off/other/1/name/foundationspdf/ - Generic Mentoring Program Policy and Procedure Manual (published by the National Mentoring Center)
No mentoring program can succeed without policies that govern decisions and procedures that guide the day-to-day operations of the program. A policy and procedure manual is a must, both in terms of risk management and in terms of achieving outcomes and participant satisfaction. This guidebook and accompanying template will help your organization think about and draft policies and procedures that fit the needs of your agency and clients. Available as both a Instruction Guide (PDF format) and as a Customizable Template (Word format). - The ABCs of School-Based Mentoring (published by the National Mentoring Center)
This newly revised version incorporates the latest research from Public/Private Ventures and other mentoring leaders into a guide for school and community partners. Direct link to the PDF file: http://gwired.gwu.edu/hamfish/merlin-cgi/p/downloadFile/d/20696/n/off/other/1/name/abcspdf/ - Effectiveness of Mentoring Program Practices (published by MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership)
This resource offers a look at the research into the links between specific program practices (how a program offers its services) and outcomes for youth. It also offers an assessment tool that can help programs identify areas that need strengthening. Direct link to the PDF file: http://www.mentoring.org/downloads/mentoring_383.pdf - Mentoring: A Key Resource for Promoting Positive Youth Development (published by MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership)
This resource explores ways mentoring programs can promote youth development principles in the way they structure services and in the activities their mentors engage in with youth. Tools for mentors are provided. Direct link to the PDF file: http://www.mentoring.org/downloads/mentoring_382.pdf - Program Staff in Youth Mentoring Programs: Qualifications, Training, and Retention (published by MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership)
A well-qualified staff is the core of any successful youth mentoring program, and this new resource explores staff qualifications, training, and development that can strengthen your services. Direct link to the PDF file: http://www.mentoring.org/downloads/mentoring_384.pdf - School-Based Mentoring (published by MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership)
This publication, written by prominenet researchers Dr. Michael Karcher and Dr. Carla Herrera, examines the evidence base and best practices for effective school-based mentoring. Self-assessment tools for programs are also included. Direct link to the PDF file: http://www.mentoring.org/downloads/mentoring_387.pdf - Cross-Age Peer Mentoring (published by MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership)
Peer mentoring is an increasingly popular strategy for serving greater numbers of students with mentoring relationships. This resource examines current research into this model and provides some planning tools that can help get a new peer program implemented. Direct link to the PDF file: http://www.mentoring.org/downloads/mentoring_388.pdf - How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program Using the Elements of Effective Practice (published by MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership)
This publication fleshes out the concepts found in the original Elements of Effective Practice, creating a comprehensive guide to running a quality program. Web site: http://www.mentoring.org/program_staff/eeptoolkit/index.php - Best Practices for Mentoring Programs (published by EMT)
Yet another set of guidelines and strategies for mentoring programs. This one examines several common pitfalls for programs and offers solutions and evaluation methods to identify and avoid them. Direct link to the PDF file: www.emt.org/userfiles/BestPractices.pdf - The Technical Assistance Packet Series (published by the National Mentoring Center and Public/Private Ventures)
This series of eight publications is designed to give program coordinators practical tools that can build quality mentoring services. Topics covered include recruitment, volunteer training, and mentor support. The publication on school-based mentoring (#1) and the handbook for mentors (#4) will be of particular interest to ED grantees. Entire series available as PDF files at: http://www.nwrel.org/mentoring/nmc_pubs.php - Yes, You Can: A Guide for Establishing Mentoring Programs to Prepare Youth for College (published by the US Department of Education)
This Department of Education publication is intended as a guide for employers, community-based organizations, college students, senior citizens, and others who are interested in starting a mentoring program. In addition to practical information about starting and operating a program, interspersed throughout are examples of successful programs, as well as resources to call upon for more information and support.
Web version: www.ed.gov/pubs/YesYouCan - Training Guide for Facilitated Mentoring Programs (published by Students in Business, Inc)
This is a train-the-coordinator guide for developing a program that connects local businesses and students in mentoring relationships. It covers roles and responsibilities, program structure, and the usual foursome of recruiting, screening, training, and matching. Direct link to the PDF file: www.beamentor.org/coordfrms/Training%20for%20Coordinators.PDF - When Stakes Are High: Research-Based Mentoring for Youth With Multiple Risk Factors (published by EMT) (published by EMT)
This publication explores issues and strategies for serving high-risk youth, such as children of prisoners, foster youth, adjudicated youth, and youth from homes with substance abuse problems. ED grantees will likely be serving youth that fall into these categories, even if they are not the target audience, and this publication can help ensure that services and support mechanisms are appropriate. Direct link to the PDF file: www.emt.org/userfiles/WhenStakesAreHigh.pdf - Dr. Mentor's 16 Steps to Effective Youth Mentoring (produced by the Mentor Consulting Group)
Words of wisdom from the nation's leading mentoring expert, Dr. Susan Weinberger.
Web version: www.mentorconsultinggroup.com/steps.html - Principles for Informing and Engaging Parents (published by Center for Applied Research Solutions)
Although written for drug prevention programs, this Prevention Brief offers useful advice that mentoring programs can use to boost parental involvement and engage families in the delivery and improvement of mentoring services.
PDF file: www.ca-sdfsc.org/Web%20Area%20-%20Publications/SDFSC_Prevention_Brief_May_2005.pdf - Creating and Sustaining a Winning Match (published by EMT)
Making and supporting high-quality matches is often the key to program success or failure. This resource teaches program coordinators how to match youth with appropriate mentors and how to make sure those relationships last over time. Direct link to the PDF file: www.emt.org/userfiles/MatchSeries2.pdf
