Mentoring

Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the protege.

Traditional mentoring matches one adult with one young person; however, mentoring may take a variety of forms. For instance, group mentoring matches one adult with up to four young people. Peer mentoring matches a caring youth with other youth. E-mentoring is conducted via email.

As the case of e-mentoring suggests, mentoring can take place in a range of settings. Many school-based mentoring programs have their mentors and protégés meet on school grounds. Similarly, community-based mentoring programs may have matches meet at their offices. Some matches may meet at a juvenile corrections facility.

Typically, mentors and their protégés should meet at least four hours a month for a year. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. Many school-based programs coincide with the school year, matching mentors and protégés for a period of nine to 10 months. While the length of individual meetings and the duration of the match may differ from program to program, it is important that both mentor and protégé establish expectations about such matters at the outset of a relationship.