Benefits of Mentoring Programs in Schools - Research Paper Example

Benefits of Mentoring Programs in Elementary Schools In the recent times, there have been numerous mentoring programs in the elementary schools. Notably, the continued reliance on mentoring programs emanates from the benefits of such programs to the children, the school, and the parents. The mentoring programs in the elementary schools attract reduced costs since they are about half as costly as mentoring programs outside the school (Rhodes 1). The school-based mentoring programs derive logistical benefits since the elementary schools can utilize the knowledge, referrals, and moral support offered by adults within the elementary schools (Rhodes 1).

This has an overall effect of simplifying the staff’s duty of establishing and monitoring relationships among children in elementary schools (Rose 1). Moreover, mentoring programs in the elementary schools allows mentors to advocate on the children’s behalf since they understand them (Rhodes 1).Mentoring programs influence the status of the children by deriving an understanding on the mentee and enhancing social standing (Rhodes 1). These programs also foster academic focus by presenting academic issues to the forefront and offer a natural context for mentors to address school and learning issues (Rhodes 2).

Moreover, most mentors in the mentoring programs in the elementary schools cannot volunteer their services outside the school context. As such, these programs attract mentors who cannot offer their services in community-based programs hence maximizing this exclusive potential (Rhodes 2). Such mentors are minority volunteers who have considerable knowledge and skills on mentorship. This benefits the children and the administration of the elementary schools since they benefit from this potential.

Furthermore, it is clear that sourcing and screening mentors for school-based programs is much easier than sourcing mentors for community-based programs (Rhodes 2). As such, these programs allow for the spreading of mentorship wealth in elementary schools.The mentoring programs in the elementary schools are equally flexible since they accommodate cross-gender matches (Rhodes 2). Indeed, these programs have more mentors coming from all genders where both males and females render their services to children.

Indeed, these programs reach more children than the community-based programs thus helping children who cannot access community-based mentorship program, which depicts their ability to reach higher-risk children and families (Rhodes 2). At the same time, mentoring programs in the elementary schools attract more volunteers from colleges and universities than community-based mentoring programs. Other benefits that relate to these programs include the capacity to build self-confidence, self-esteem, academic motivation, and achievement among children in the elementary school (“Alberta Mentoring Partnership” 1).

This leads to a successful academic and social life among the children.In addition, mentoring programs in the elementary schools leads to strong and healthy communities, improved social skills and behaviour, and resilience (“Alberta Mentoring Partnership” 1). Indeed, mentorship derives strong peer, school, and family associations. The monitored children develop a sense of belonging in the elementary school and reduce the risk of involvement with drugs and substance (“Alberta Mentoring Partnership” 1).

Ideally, mentored children focus on school attendance and academic performance and hence have no time for alcohol and drug use. Ultimately, we can derive that mentoring programs in the elementary schools accords a great chance for the children to share their feelings with reasonable adults (Chalkey 1). These benefits justify the continued use of school-based mentoring programs in the education system.Works CitedAlberta Mentoring Partnership. Benefits of Mentoring in Schools. 2014. Web. 20 February 2014.

< http://albertamentors.ca/for-educators/benefits-mentoring-schools/> Chalkey, Michelle. Mentoring benefits high school and elementary students. 13 January 2013. Web. 20 February 2014. < http://www.mywebtimes.com/news/local/mentoring-benefits-high-school-and-elementary-students/article_e77972a4-623f-50d9-8fe6-f5ee96dd02d9.html> Rhodes, Jean. Research Corner: School based Mentoring. 2002. Web. 20 February 2014. < http://www.mentoring.org/downloads/mentoring_1314.pdf> Rose, Autumn. Mentoring program benefits elementary schoolers, high schoolers alike.

9 October 2012. Web. 20 February 2014. < http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/advocate_of_eldersburg/news/mentoring-program-benefits-elementary-schoolers-high-schoolers-alike/article_27704885-ab2b-570b-b1cc-77ee96f87e08.html>