Perceptions of Mentors and Mentees in School-based Cross-Age Peer Mentoring in a Low-income Rural Community

Authors

  • Donna Marie San Antonio Lesley University
  • Jeff Martel
  • Cindy Weisbart

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jcycw.2020.12

Keywords:

Cross-age peer mentoring, adolescent development, social and emotional support, future orientation, youth leadership, rural schools, rural communities

Abstract

Cross-age peer mentoring programs are not always effective, and some researchers have questioned the effectiveness of this model.  In this article, we use evaluation data to describe a project that has been going for twenty years.  The project enrolls high school students as mentors to struggling elementary school students.  The article reviews the current literature and details the perceptions of mentors and mentees regarding relational and academic benefits and disappointments.  Both mentors and mentees report that the project gave them purpose, motivation, and a sense of belonging in the school and community.  They also describe frustrations and regrets.  Some findings echo previous studies; however, by presenting a twenty-year retrospective, and including mentor and mentee voices, the article provides a unique contribution to the field.  The article provides an appendix with resources and recommendations for effective practices to those seeking to implement such a program.

Author Biographies

Jeff Martel

Jeff Martel is Middle High School Counselor and Program Coordinator of the Teen Mentor Program.  He collaborates with a community youth development program as an outdoor educator where he teaches teenagers rock climbing, canoeing, and wilderness skills.

 

Cindy Weisbart

Cindy Weisbart is a youth worker and a documentary photographer.  Her dream job is to teach history with public high school students, which she has done (so far) for sixteen years.

All three authors worked together at the Appalachian Mountain Teen Project and collaborated on the development and implementation of teen mentoring and other youth empowerment projects. 

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Published

2020-12-09

How to Cite

San Antonio, D. M., Martel, J., & Weisbart, C. (2020). Perceptions of Mentors and Mentees in School-based Cross-Age Peer Mentoring in a Low-income Rural Community. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 26. https://doi.org/10.5195/jcycw.2020.12

Issue

Vol. 26 (2020)

Section

Research and Practice Articles

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