Posts

How program staff influence mentor-mentee relationship quality

Keller, T. E., & DuBois, D. L. (2021). Influence of program staff on quality of relationships in a community-based youth mentoring program. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1483(1), 112–126. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14289 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Although staff play influential roles in the quality of mentoring relationships and mentoring programming, not […]

Mentoring for Kids: 5 Ways to Be an Effective Mentor

By Lori Ampey, Reprinted from Boys & Girls Clubs of America We often hear from kids and alumni about how Boys & Girls Clubs change their lives. But as a youth mentor for more than 21 years, the truth is the Club saved mine.  Early in my career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of […]

Study highlights the importance of adult-youth mentoring relationships in extracurricular activities

Chapin, L. A., Fowler, M. A., & Deans, C. L. (2021). The role of adult facilitators in arts-based extracurricular settings: Perceived factors for success of adult–youth relationships. Journal of Community Psychology, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22513 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Although extracurricular programs are known for fostering supportive relationships between adults and children, little is known about […]

The importance of the closure process in formal mentoring relationships

Spencer, R., Keller, T. E., Perry, M., Drew, A. L., Clark‐Shim, H., Horn, J. P., Miranda‐Díaz, M., & McCormack, M. J. (2021). How youth mentoring relationships end and why it matters: A mixed-methods, multi-informant study. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1483(1), 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14290 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Despite how common mentoring terminations […]

In their own words: What young people of colour want in mentors

The real test of racial justice is to see diversity in leadership, but nurturing new leaders takes time By Winnie Lui, Reprinted from Broadview In the wake of racially-charged events of 2020, many organizations have pledged to address racial justice. Some, such as the National Basketball Association, have used their clout to make bold statements. […]

How mentors contribute to Latinx adolescents’ social capital in the sciences

Sánchez, B., Mroczkowski, A. L., Flores, L. Y., de los Reyes, W., Ruiz, J., & Rasgado-Flores, (2021). How Mentors Contribute to Latinx Adolescents’ Social Capital in the Sciences. Journal of Adolescent Research, 0743558420985454. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558420985454 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Despite the growing importance of promoting STEM for youth, there’s still a limited amount of research […]

Fostering Relationships During COVID-19

By Maria Duarte, Reprinted from the American Youth Policy Forum   COVID-19 Impact Over the past year, COVID-19 has directly impacted the lives of millions of families across the world. Our daily routines have transformed, and our new “normal” is quite a different way of living. Specifically, vulnerable populations such as the global majority[1], elderly, […]

New study shows how family closeness can foster natural mentoring relationships among Black youth

Billingsley, J. T., Rivens, A. J., & Hurd, N. M. (2021). Family Closeness and Mentor Formation among Black Youth. Journal of Child and Family Studies.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01895-y Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Many studies on formal mentoring acknowledge the important influence parents have on their children’s mentoring relationships. However, there’s still a lack of research […]

Mentoring Innovations: The Power of Groups

By Nancy Deutsch & Gabe Kuperminc, Reprinted from UVA Curry Youth – NEX Highlights: Group mentoring programs can be effective in fostering at least short- term improvements in a broad range of youth outcomes. The multiple types of relationships between and amongst peers and mentors in group mentoring programs contributes to youth’s experiences in, and […]

Mentoring is key for lonely Gen Z

Gen Z is getting lonelier, and mentors are the cure By Kevin Singer and Lauren Rink, Springtide Research Institute What do obesity, smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and loneliness have in common? They are equally draining on one’s life expectancy. Loneliness is especially evident for members of Gen Z, or those born between 1995-2010. Springtide […]