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Program Element 7 - Adult mentoring

Adult mentoring for a duration of at least 12 months that may occur both during and after program participation

 

Adult mentoring for youth must:

(1) Last at least 12 months and may take place both during the program and following exit from the program;

(2) Be a formal relationship between a youth participant and an adult mentor that includes structured activities where the mentor offers guidance, support, and encouragement to develop the competence and character of the mentee;

(3) While group mentoring activities and mentoring through electronic means are allowable as part of the mentoring activities, at a minimum, the local youth program must match the youth with an individual mentor with whom the youth interacts on a face‐to‐face basis. Local programs should ensure appropriate processes are in place to adequately screen and select mentors.

(4) Mentoring may include workplace mentoring where the local program matches a youth participant with an employer or employee of a company.

Examples of Qualifying Activities

- Participation in mentoring programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters

- Virtual adult mentoring via e‐mail, teleconferencing, or other electronic communication

- Long‐term, structured programs that provide training and support to mentors as well as to youth

-Adult mentoring programs that foster career awareness or positive social behaviors

- Supplementing adult mentoring activities with additional materials and resources

Examples of Non‐Qualifying Activities

- Programs designed to last fewer than 12 months

- Activities provided by case managers or service providers unless they meet the definition of adult mentoring

- Only supplying self‐help materials on positive life skills

- Any activity that does not include a working relationship and rapport between a youth and an adult

- Case management activities

- Inconsistent or sporadic contact with youth