How to Enhance a Mentoring Program Ann Y. Kim MBC Final Project Presentation May 16, 2007
Please welcome… Betty Osowski
Situation : An unfulfilling and negative mentoring experience Solution : Research how to enhance the program to ensure a fulfilling and positive experience
Background on Korean Adoptees 15,000+ Korean adoptees in Minnesota Children’s Home Society & Family Services ( aka Children’s Home ) pivotal in placing 8,000+ Korean adoptees for the past 30 years
Background on the Mentor & Mentee Program Founded in 1997 ( aka M&M Program ) Mission: “To create friendships between younger and older internationally adopted persons, in a meaningful, positive atmosphere”. Partnered with Children’s Home agency in 1999
Research Question “Can an assessment of the mentor and mentee experience help shape and enhance the Mentor & Mentee Program?“
Who I Asked & What I Asked Population 102 mentors 68 mentees Mail survey Two separate surveys 20 similar questions for mentor & mentee 7 additional training questions for mentors
Who Responded 49 returned surveys 32 mentors 17 mentees Response rate 31% mentors 25% mentees
Rating the mentoring relationship within the first 3 months of the match vs. the end of the match
How helpful was the Training Manual? 67% helpful or very helpful 23% slightly helpful or not helpful Had referred back to the Training Manual? 17%
Rating the Mentee Experience Since being in the M&M Program… 33% felt no increase in confidence 33% saw no improvement in self-esteem 21% did not feel more positive about their Korean identity 36% saw no increase in (Korean) cultural awareness
Helpfulness of the Large Group Activities
Research Question “Can an assessment of the mentor and mentee experience help shape and enhance the Mentor & Mentee Program?“ YES
How to Enhance the M&M Program Improve the mentors’ training Conduct on-going mentor training and incorporate new training materials Improve the mentees’ experience Intentional goal-setting Mentee training Improve large group activities Request that M&M participants volunteer Ask for immediate feedback
Overall Assessment Had recommended the M&M Program 63% mentors 50% mentees Overall experience rated as excellent or good 87% mentors 88% mentees
“I think that anyone can benefit from a mentoring relationship and having a program focused on the (international) adoption experience and journey is so valuable.“ – Anonymous Mentor Mentor Quote
Questions?