The Ripple Effect of Mentorship: A Cross-Case Analysis of Five Rural, Latinx Youth

• In Event: Mentoring Diverse Populations

Abstract

This multiple case study explores the phenomenon of naturally-occurring mentorships among five rural, Latinx, gang-affiliated youth and their chosen mentors. Specifically, I examine the following research questions:
1. How do rural, gang-affiliated, Latinx individuals define the act of mentorship and qualities of a mentor?
2. How do Latinx, gang-affiliated youth and their mentors cultivate their mentoring relationships?
Critical Race Theory (Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1995) and Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth Framework were applied to a cross-case analysis of the study revealing that mentors can be family members or individuals holding familial space; while the act of mentorship entails active listening, providing advice to accrue resilient wealth based on personal experiences, and supporting the mentee to “get out” of their hometown.

Author

• Robin Brandehoff, University of Colorado - Denver