MVP MENTOR
What is peer-to-peer mentoring?
Peer-to-peer mentoring is a style of teaching where students learn from each other as mentors and mentees.
"[Studies show] cross-age peer mentoring can yield twice the impact of more traditional and familiar adult-with-youth mentoring programs.
Cross-age peer mentoring programs afford teens critical development-enhancing opportunities they can’t get as mentees in traditional mentoring programs, and program participation can increase both mentees’ and mentors’ webs of support[.]"
Dr. Samantha Burton, University of Massachusetts Boston
How it works.
Counselors and school representatives will identify students they believe are promising youth leaders in their communities. They will also select students that would value student-led mentorship. These students will be the MVP mentors and mentees. Mentors and mentees will be assigned to work together by the school.
Mentors and mentees will meet each week to discuss an SEL curriculum topic, provided by coaches Mike and Jess through the MVP Minute. These short-form videos provide mentors a subject for discussion and mentees the ability to develop social and emotional skills.
Each month, mentors and mentees will meet virtually with Mike and Jess to discuss topics they’ve learned and challenges they face. These meetings involve team-building exercises that build relationships and personal growth.
Mike and Jess will assist mentors personally and provide one-on-one guidance through peer-to-peer learning activities. They will also be available to assist mentees throughout the course of the program.
At the end of each semester, one mentor will receive the MVP Leadership Award. This mentor will be selected by each school as the student who went above and beyond with assisting their mentee. This award can be referenced on the student's resume and contribute towards college admissions.