E-Mentoring Project Mentoring 4 A Purpose Eastern Kentucky University College of Education Dr. L. Carol Gabbard, Grant Director Carol Eicher, Assistant Grant Director Susan Young, Operations Specialist GEAR UP Kentucky is a US Department of Education grant administered by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. © Eastern Kentucky University College of Education GEAR UP E-Mentoring Curriculum

"The number one indicator of success for a child is a good relationship with a caring adult." - Fortune Magazine

The Challenge: Distance limited availability

The Solution: Electronic Mentoring Allows access to distance based mentors Monitored, safe environment 24 / 7 communication access Educator guided curriculum Early training in college communication software

What is E-Mentoring? A relationship that is primarily conducted via a secure, web-based platform, i.e. BlackBoard

Why E-Mentoring? Capacity to mentor GEAR UP students across the Commonwealth Connects a young person with a trained caring adult Offers a more flexible mentoring option for youth/adults Allows youth to utilize high-tech communications

Communication Method The E-Mentoring experience operates through existing Kentucky Virtual High School BlackBoard program, which: Blocks Spam Blocks Allows for review of student messages/discussion Requires log-in and password access only for program participants and supervisors

Monitored Environment

Guided Curriculum Designed by teachers on college access topics: What does your future hold No excuses Does college make a difference Choosing a college How to pay for college Campus Life Career exploration World of work Resources

Targeted Conversation

Who Are The E-Mentors? The E-Mentors are trained students from Eastern Kentucky University, sharing their expertise related to the developed curriculum with middle and high school students via web-based platform.

E-Mentors Provide…. Information about college Ideas for career choices/preparation Academic assistance with Vocational Studies Core Content Connections to the ILP A positive role model for success in college and work

Realistic answers from the real world

Role of GEAR UP School Establish school goals, ground rules, boundaries, and guidelines; including safety measures Identify role of mentor/mentee relationship Participate in BlackBoard training Determine how the mentoring content/curriculum will be utilized

Safety Measures Provide a supervised and controlled electronic platform Install safety technology, including archive system for discussions Establish guidelines for mentors and mentees, including necessary permissions to govern participants appropriate and safe access to and use of the Internet

Safety Measures Provide training for mentors and mentees Conduct screening, comprehensive background checks, and confidentiality training for mentors Provide ongoing oversight and support during the mentoring experience

Evaluation Pre and Post Surveys Teacher Observations Frequency of Responses In School Coordinator Feedback Student and Parent Comments Sustainability of Program

THE BOTTOM LINE E-Mentoring shares the goal of face-to-face mentoring: Establishing a trusting, nurturing, positive relationship between the mentor and students. Address college and career readiness common core standards. Meets the GEAR UP mission.