Urban and Nonurban Schools

Abstract

Mentoring programs have proven to provide benefits to youth and are expanding rapidly in schools. There was concern whether the economic and demographic issues of urban communities and schools would limit success of mentoring programs in urban schools as compared to nonurban. This study focuses on Team-Mates, a statewide, school-based, one-to-one, adult-to-youth mentoring program that includes extensive support for program implementation and ongoing operation. Although the program was effective in urban schools in demonstrating positive perceptions of change in students' behavior, the number of matches was less than expected. Needs for future research and resources for implementing a student mentoring program are shared.