BSV Mentor Programs Findings

Parents/guardians of our mentees from spring 2020 reported: 

• Mentors provided valuable 1-on-1 support at a time when parents/guardians were working or otherwise unavailable

• There is value in having mentors who are informal supporters (not officially part of the district) but still invested in their child’s education and success

• Appreciated mentor support with scheduling/time management and assignment completion

• Saw mentors as compensating for what teachers weren’t able to finish or explain during a class session

• Mentors helped mentees:

  • adjust to the changing learning environment

  • stay focused

  • complete assignments

  • Have a social outlet during an isolated time

Mentees from Spring 2020 reported:

• I felt comfortable with my mentor

• I was able to ask questions

• The support was useful because my parents were busy

• It helped me get used to the new learning environment

• My mentor motivated me

• It helped improve my grades

• Mentors had more time to help break down concepts that teachers had initially presented

• Studying at home is distracting so working with a mentor helped me focus