The Need for a Tutor/Mentor Program Infrastructure

1. The Need for a Tutor/Mentor Program Infrastructure Joseph Kreul Adler School of Professional Psychology

2. Prevailing Problem and Relevance • There is a need for an infrastructure to support the development of new and existing tutor/mentoring programs in communities of low SES. • Mentoring and tutoring programs have shown to have positive effects on lowering at-risk behaviors and school retention of high risk children who participate. • An infrastructure can ensure that programs form where they are needed most and receive the necessary resources to become successfuland work together to impact this problem on a large scale.

3. Social Implications • A lack of tutor/mentor rich programs in areas of highest need can lead to increased amount of children not benefitting from services. • Could lead to a cycle of disempowerment amongst youth in low SES communities who are possibly deprived of a rich education and positive role models. • Could lead to higher academic drop out rate and introduction into the juvenile detention system.

4. How Did This Problem Develop? • Non-profit organizations typically compete for limited grant money, publicity and volunteers. • Many organizations do not have the time to coordinate with other programs to learn “best practices” in regards to training and retention of volunteers and donors. • The information simply does not reach those individuals who are motivated to start up a new program, thus preventing future programs forming in areas of highest need.

5. Common Factors that Programs Need • You only see the tip of the iceberg of tutor/mentor programs, but that is only possible with the support of what’s underneath it.

6. How T/MC AddressesThis • Maintaining a database where anyone can search for a program based on location and ages served, helping tutor/mentor programs connect with volunteers and donors • Developing city-wide maps of areas of need, existing tutor/mentor programs, and organizations that may be able to assist in starting up new programs (such as churches) • Organizes bi-annual conferences to unite leaders of programs and encourage networking and sharing of information • Maintains a large collection of electronic files on their website to give new and existing programs a wealth of information to strengthen their programs

7. T/MC Provides the Supply Chain Needed to Fight This War

8. How Can Universities Help? • Incorporate learning about importance of T/MC and tutor/mentor programs into community outreach curriculum • Systemic way of thinking about how to solve problems facing low income communities • Donate space to aid tutor/mentor programs • Space for conferences and learning experiences • Partner funding resources

9. Why Should Universities Help? • Increase the pool of potential, local applicants to the university • May decrease national advertising costs • Improving the communities around the university makes it more attractive to potential students • Partnering with businesses and non profit tutor/mentor infrastructure programs help increase the employability of local individuals • Utilize a school-age to career mentality in supporting communities trains future employees • Using a university as a unification for this support

10. Future Recommendations • T/MC structured frameworks can be the infrastructure in many cities where low SES communities have struggling youth in need of academic and mentoring support. • Much like the tutor/mentor programs, T/MC needs resources to operate as well, and needs individuals and/or organizations to help support it on it’s mission to infiltrate at-risk communities and make a difference.

11. Resources for More Information • www.tutormentorconnection.org • tutormentor.blogspot.com • www.tutormentorexchange.net • tutormentorconnection.ning.com