Mentoring Programs for At Risk Youth: A Dropout Prevention Research Report.

This document provides an overview of the concept of mentoring, this time applied to the area of dropout prevention. It begins by describing the functions and characteristics of a mentor, considering the use of mentors with at risk youth, and examining the roles of a mentor in dropout prevention. Suggestions are given for setting up a mentoring program. Program summaries are included for 15 successful mentoring programs based in schools, universities, private organizations and community groups, states and businesses. 12 steps for starting a mentoring program are listed and discussed: (1) establish program need; (2) secure school district commitment; (3) identify and select program staff; (4) refine program goals and objectives; (5) develop activities and procedures; (6) identify students in need of mentors; (7) promote program and recruit members; (8) train mentors and students; (9) manage mentor and student matching process; (10) monitor mentoring process; (11) evaluate ongoing and terminated cases; and (12) revise program and recycle steps. A reading and reference list is included and organization and program information is provided. Appendices contain simple forms that can be used as guides in developing and evaluating mentoring programs (ERIC).