Connecting Academically Vulnerable Middle and High School Students With Community Mentors

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Mentoring Programs and Practices

Abstract

Academically vulnerable urban middle and high school student were matched, as closely as 1:1 as possible, with a trained adult mentor in the 2016-17 school year. School-based mentorship activities focused on helping youth improve their academic performance and attitudes. Three mentor tiers were developed which included undergraduate and graduate education majors, and members of the local faith-based, non-profit, and business communities. This mixed methods study reports on program impact for mentees (n= 152). Findings suggest mentees perceived their mentors helped with academic motivation and adaptive academic behaviors, and education majors (Tier 1 & 2) had a favorable academic impact on their mentee’s academic performance within their academic licensure area. Implications and recommendations for researchers and administrators are discussed.

Authors

• Brad M. Maguth, The University of Akron

• Kristin L.K. Koskey, The University of Akron

• Alfred W. Daviso, The University of Akron

• Erin Stevic, The University of Akron