Mentor Coordinator Report
Program Growth:
We grew from 9 matches to 23 this year and have 4 female students on the waitlist for next fall. Many new matches began this year, especially within the freshman class.
Seeing students grow:
With so many new matches this year, it was fun to watch matches evolve from acquaintances that weren’t sure what to think of mentoring or their new mentor to great friends who are sad to see this year end and cannot wait to reconnect in the fall. I am especially excited to see the many Freshman matches we started this year (8 new matches) continue on into next year and beyond.
Supporting students in struggles:
This year, I have observed as mentors have been a steady source of support for students facing a variety of personal and emotional challenges. From struggles with behavior at home and school, to family health crises, housing instability, academic difficulties, and relationship issues at home and in school—our mentors have walked beside students through it all.
These situations are often deeply personal, and we deeply respect the confidentiality and trust involved. In many cases, mentors are the first people that students confide in because they offer a consistent safe space to share.
In our student interviews, students frequently shared how their mentors helped them manage stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression. With their mentors’ guidance, they’re learning how to better handle challenges both at school and at home—contributing to noticeable improvements in their mental health and overall well-being.
Evaluation:
Feedback and personal stories are collected throughout the school year, with an extra effort to collect data at the end of the school year through student and mentor interviews and surveys. These tools allow students and mentors to share highlights and suggestions and report their satisfaction with their mentoring relationships and coordinator support.
Survey Results:
86% of participants (both mentors and mentees) submitted survey responses.
Mentor survey statistics:
All mentors plan to continue next year including the three male mentors on our waitlist.
Mentors surveyed:
56% were in their first year of mentoring
31 % have been mentoring 2-3 years
13 % have been mentoring more than 3 years
The national average is only 50% for mentoring relationships lasting more than one year. Be the One’s statistics as an organization are significantly higher. From what I have observed in my role this year, this is largely due to the support we give mentors with training, regular check-ins, coaching, and showing appreciation.
Mentor Feedback and suggestions:
Most are extremely satisfied with the program.
Mentors enjoyed the mentor lunches throughout the year – these lunches helped them feel more connected to other mentors, to the school and to the student body.
One mentor mentioned a group activity would be fun but when surveyed most mentees and mentors wanted to meet one on one with their mentor for a year end celebration. A group activity would need to take place during the school year.
Training Topic Suggestions: opportunities for student growth: summer/job training/beyond high school, what motivates teens, generation studies, mental health and social media management.
Student survey statistics:
21 out of 23 completed the survey
57 % were in their first year of mentoring
For the 20 students planning to return to NVHS, only one was unsure about continuing next year. The rest all want to keep their mentors, including those who plan to do Running Start next year.
Student suggestions:
Most were very satisfied and didn’t have any recommendations.
One student wants to meet longer.
Some wish they could see their mentor more often and through the summer.
Student quotes: (see attached document for student interview quotes)
Looking ahead to 2025-26:
We will start next year with 22 mentees participating (1 mentee graduated and 3 matches will be coming up from NVMS, 4 students are on a waitlist and 1 student is unsure about continuing)
I will continue hosting Mentor Lunch next year since staff, students and mentors seem to find the lunches beneficial.
Number of Current Matches: 23
Submitted by Melissa Rus – melissa.rus@nv.k12.wa.us