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

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 successful and work together to impact this problem on a large scale.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Resources for More Information tutormentor.blogspot.com tutormentorconnection.ning.com