How mentorship programs help students achieve their dreams

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize mentors’ profound impact on individuals’ lives. The campaign, launched in 2002, aims to raise awareness about the importance of mentorship programs, recruit volunteers to serve as mentors and promote their rapid growth.

National Mentoring Month celebrates mentorship programs and their positive effect on young lives. Several key dates throughout the month offer opportunities to participate and show support.

• January 7: I Am a Mentor Day
• January 17: International Mentoring Day
• January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service
• January 21: Thank Your Mentor Day

The Power of Mentorship Programs at The Chatfield Edge

Mentorship is at the heart of The Chatfield Edge’s approach to helping people who face obstacles in achieving post-high school education and training. Having a mentor can make a significant difference in a student’s educational journey, providing them with the personalized guidance, encouragement, and support they need to thrive.

Mentors at The Chatfield Edge play a multifaceted role in supporting students. They can:

• Listen: Answer questions, offer advice, and provide a safe space for students to share their concerns.
• Guide: Guide students in using problem-solving and goal-setting to help them navigate school and life.
• Network: Connect students with professionals in their field and share relevant career opportunities.

The Chatfield Edge’s mentorship program is designed to foster strong, supportive relationships between mentors and students. Here’s how the program works:

• Matching: Each student is carefully matched with a mentor who has relevant experience in the student’s field of study or navigating similar educational challenges.
• Regular Meetings: Mentors and mentees commit to meeting at least four times per semester for about an hour each time. These meetings provide consistent support and allow the relationship to develop over time. Significantly, this mentorship extends throughout the student’s educational journey, providing ongoing support from enrollment to graduation.
• Comprehensive Support: Mentors offer guidance and support in various areas, including:
  • Choosing a school
  • Preparing for enrollment
  • Navigating coursework
• Networking
• Developing essential life skills

The Power of Mentorship Programs from A Student’s Perspective 

Chatfield Scholar Nicole Nantz is a junior at Xavier University studying film and television. She has experienced many benefits from the mentorship program at The Chatfield Edge, many of which she didn’t anticipate.

“I’m naturally a driven person, but the thing people don’t talk about when you are naturally driven is that you also have a hard time asking for help. You view asking for help as a form of weakness. Having a mentor has made it better for me so that I can ask for help. It’s not a show of weakness to ask for help. It’s a show of growing up. Part of adulthood is being able to admit when you need help.”

Nicole’s mentor has helped her connect with other film industry professionals. She has also helped Nicole navigate car issues that threatened to keep Nicole from being able to commute to classes. The two meet at least once a month and text quite a bit.

Nicole knows that meeting with a mentor can be intimidating initially, but she encourages students considering The Chatfield Edge program not to be scared.

“The best advice I can give to new students is that the mentors are here to help you. You lose nothing by getting a mentor. You only gain.”

And don’t use time management as an excuse.

“Mentors understand that everyone has a busy schedule. If you think time management is an issue when getting a mentor, don’t worry. They will work around your schedule. Just be transparent.”

Measuring the Impact

The positive effects of mentoring programs on student outcomes are well-documented. Research shows that mentoring can lead to:

• Improved academic achievement and engagement.
• Better interpersonal skills and relationships.
• Higher college enrollment rates and graduation rates.

For Nicole, the support has been the most significant benefit. “Having someone in your corner, whether for school-related things or things going on in your life, is really nice. Especially someone who is experienced and actively trying to help you.”

Get Involved with The Chatfield Edge

National Mentoring Month is an ideal time to consider becoming a mentor with The Chatfield Edge. If you have a passion for education and want to make a difference in a student’s life, here’s how you can get involved:

• Become a Mentor: The Chatfield Edge provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to mentors, ensuring they have the tools and resources to guide their mentees effectively.
• Volunteer: Even with limited time to commit, volunteering can be a valuable way to support The Chatfield Edge. You can assist with events, tutor students, or help with community outreach.
• Donate: Financial contributions are crucial to The Chatfield Edge’s success. Your donations help provide scholarships, expand the mentoring program, and offer comprehensive support to students.

By supporting The Chatfield Edge through mentorship, volunteering, or donations, you can contribute to our mission of empowering students and building a brighter future for all. Let’s celebrate National Mentoring Month by investing in the power of human connection and the promise of education.