Best Practices for Developing and Maintaining an Effective Mentoring Program

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Best Practices for Developing and Maintaining an
Effective Mentoring Program

• Presenters Michael Faloyin
• and Wayne Murray

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Who is a Mentor?

• Mentor
• Dictionary.com defines a mentor as
• a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. An
  influential senior sponsor or supporter.
• A mentor is someone who allows you to see the
  hope inside yourself.
• A Mentor is a brain to pick, an ear to listen,
  and a push in the right direction. John C.
  Crosby

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What is a NJ GEAR UP Mentor?

• Teacher
• Problem solver
• Motivator
• Coach
• Guide
• A good mentor is
• Interested in helping others succeed
• Caring
• Willing to spend time
• Patient
• Trustworthy
• Practical
• An active listener
• Inspirational
• Sensitive to the feelings of others

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What is a mentee/protégé?

• Learner
• Decision maker
• Initiator
• Risk taker
• Goal setter

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Academic Vs Summer program

• Academic Year Program
• In-Service/After School
• Saturday Service
• Summer Program
• NJIT Campus
• Provide flexibility in services rendered
  especially at the schools and cater to the
  schools needs

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Mentor recruitment process

• Advertisement
• Referral from staff and other GU programs
• NJ GEAR UP applicants through state website
• Flyers on campus
• Set up tables at NJIT Rutgers during on campus
  events and School based activities
• Select staff with
• Passion
• Similar past experiences or willing to learn
  cultural difference
• Dedication
• Excellent communication skills
• Relevant education (not a must!)
• Keen awareness of need

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Mentor recruitment process contd..

• Training Staff/ Orientation
• NJ GEAR UP statewide mentor training
• On campus training
• Round table discussion
• Continually provide professional development
  sessions
• Make use of counselors
• Program staff
• Guest speakers
• Example, address mentor limitations Proper
  attire

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Managing your mentor component

• Provide the necessary resources
• Provide effective tools
• Handouts
• Worksheets
• Activities
• Media equipment (if applicable)
• Use of other technology resources
• Online training
• Online tutoring
• Online classes
• Conducive activity space (adequate privacy)
• Proper guidelines, an established plan of action
  and chain of command for reporting issues
• Counselor referrals
• Disciplinary referrals

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Managing your mentor component contd

• Activity logs
• Incident reports
• Access to student grades and standardized test
  scores
• Proper follow up
• Plan to address issues as they arise
• Counseling issues/referral (Counselor referral
  form)
• Issues reported by staff or student
• Issues between staff or students
• Disciplinary issues

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Managing your mentor component

• Creativity
• Consistently reinvent your mentor component
• More activities, less presentations
• Allow mentors to contribute
• Do not reinvent the wheel
• Use internet as a resource
• Use other programs a resource
• Think outside the box (youtube videos, books,
  games etc.)
• Allow flexibility (with reasonable parameters)
• Feedback
• Consistent verbal feedback to and from staff
• Internal and state Protégé evaluation of mentor
• Staff evaluations
• Staff evaluation of program
• Get input through surveys

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Managing your mentor component

• Make a connection to other components of the
  program
• No component can exist as an island
• Make use of social media
• Make use of your network at schools and on campus
  
• Allocate a time for mentoring activities
• This will make a well rounded student

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Things to consider.

• Tailor material to your audience
• Age
• Gender
• Environment
• What challenges are they facing?
• What engages them?
• What do the schools suggest?
• Include some mentors in the development of your
  mentor program as well as in maintaining it

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Keys Areas of Focus
Homelessness
Sex and Disease
Illiteracy
Dressing Appropriately
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Illness and Death
Verbal and Physical Abuse
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
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Bullying
Family Issues Pressure
Inappropriate Dating/Relationships
Gangs
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• Any Questions?

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• Thank You!!!