The MN Works: Study of Effectiveness Part 1
In 2008, The Mentoring Network (TMN), through a research grant, hired a firm, directed by Dr. Debra Loesch-Griffin, to conduct a thorough study of its effectiveness. Following are some results of that study:
- ISAT (Idaho Standard Achievement Test) scores in reading and math showed significant improvements for students who became involved in The Mentoring Network (TMN). Students who had been in the program longer tended to have higher scores than those who had been in for a shorter time.
- Main topics mentors/mentees discussed: getting along with other kids at school, and the importance of following school/classroom rules.
Chart below shows percentage of TMN students showing observable improvement since being matched with a mentor (as reported by school counselors and teachers):
The kids say it best, (excerpts from the student questionnaire):
"I have figured out how to walk away from fights and . . . arguments. I do not yell or scream as much and I know everything I say is confidential . . . it feels good to release what I’ve been holding in myself."
"It’s hard to explain but I like to talk to my mentor and it lets me forget about the things I’m going through . . . it lets me have another friend. . . "
"My mentor is a cool guy and is my friend and I would like to continue to spend time with him."
But it’s not just about the kids. In this same study, 95% of mentors said they personally benefitted from being a mentor to a student.
One hour a week changes lives. . .