[Mentoring At-Risk Youth in Rural Communities]

By



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My sincerest thanks and gratitude go to my research advisor Dr. ( ), without her patience, guidance, and mentoring, this research would not be at the stage it is in now. Her advice, encouragement and knowledge have been invaluable. Throughout this long journey her trust in me made the accomplishment of this Research possible. I am obliged to the faculty and staff members for their inspiration and encouragement, which allowed me to complete this doctorate study.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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Dated:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT5

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

This Study7

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW9

Program Design and Implementation9

Characteristics of Youth10

Mentor-Mentee Relationships11

Assessment of Outcomes11

CHAPTER 3: METHOD13

Literature Search Procedures13

Criteria for Including Studies13

Search Outcome14

Effect Size Calculations15

Coding of Studies16

Unit of Analysis18

Fixed and Random Effects19

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS21

Preliminary Analyses21

Overall Effect of Youth Mentoring Programs22

Moderator Analyses of Mentoring Program Effects24

Report Information27

Evaluation Methodology27

Program Features28

Characteristics of Youth32

Mentor-Youth Relationships34

Assessment of Outcomes34

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION36

Moderators of Program Effectiveness37

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION40

Applied Implications41

Limitations and Directions for Future Research42

REFERENCES45

ABSTRACT

We used meta-analysis to review 55 evaluations of the effects of mentoring programs on youth. Overall, findings provide evidence of only a modest or small benefit of program participation for the average youth. Program effects are enhanced significantly, however, when greater numbers of both theory-- based and empirically based "best practices" are utilized and when strong relationships are formed between mentors and youth. We used meta-analysis to review 55 evaluations of the effects of mentoring programs on youth. Overall, findings provide evidence of only a modest or small benefit of program participation for the average youth. Program effects are enhanced significantly, however, when greater numbers of both theory-- based and empirically based "best practices" are utilized and when strong relationships are formed between mentors and youth. Youth from backgrounds of environmental risk and disadvantage appear most likely to benefit from participation in mentoring programs. Outcomes for youth at-risk due to personal vulnerabilities have varied substantially in relation to program characteristics, with a noteworthy potential evident for poorly implemented programs to actually have an adverse effect on such youth. Recommendations include greater adherence to guidelines for the design and implementation of effective mentoring programs as well as more in-depth assessment of relationship and contextual factors in the evaluation of programs.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

During the past decade mentoring programs for youth have become increasingly popular and widespread. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America (BB/BSA), the most prominent of these programs, now includes over 500 agencies nationwide. The National Mentoring Partnership and numerous other organizations also have contributed to significant growth in mentoring initiatives at local, state, and national levels (Johnson & Sullivan, 1995). Currently, the National Mentoring Database lists more than 1,700 organizations that support mentoring activities (Save the Children, 1999).

Interest in mentoring programs has been fueled in significant part by the importance that positive relationships with ...