Mentoring Tips

Mentoring Tips

Mentors function as kids’ bridge to reality. But often hindered by lack of training and time, how do mentors make a lasting impression? Seasoned mentors and educators share their tips:

• Be enthusiastic and passionate. Motivated mentors make for motivated kids.
• Be organized, detailed, and flexible. Keep students engaged by adapting to their individual needs.
• Give students your full time and attention. Get to know them to make a real connection.
• Develop a manageable but usable project. Make it easy to create but not easy to waste.
• Encourage students to share with others. This builds a sense of community.
• Finally, just be yourself.

Mentoring Links

• Donors Choose: Database of educational projects that connects educators to prospective donors.
• icouldbe.org: Program model that matches young students with mentors.
• Volunteer Match: Database matching volunteers with volunteer opportunities.
• Meetup Mentor Group: Searchable list of mentor groups by geographic location.
• MENTOR: Comprehensive resources for becoming a mentor and starting a mentorship program.
• NWREL's National Mentoring Center: Center for training and technical assistance for youth mentoring programs and initiatives.