Types of Mentoring Programs
Individual mentoring allows you to build a one-on-one, personal relationship with a role model who is focused specifically on your development and growth. This is probably the most common type of mentoring relationship, whether occurring naturally or structured through school, work, or a formal program.
Group mentoring1 programs allow a group of young people to meet with a mentor together, benefiting both from the support and advice of this new role model as well as relationships with their peers. These programs are growing in popularity as more and more young people realize the value of finding a mentor. Group mentoring can be especially beneficial for students who are more comfortable communicating in group settings.
Peer mentoring is built on a relationship that allows participants of similar ages and skill levels to share experiences with one another. The most common peer mentoring relationship is between students who may be separated by a few grade levels or co-workers separated by only a few years of experience.
Online mentoring2 has become very popular recently, providing flexibility to both the mentor and mentee. Online programs lift geographical constraints often felt with face-to-face mentoring and remove time constraints that allow mentors and mentees the opportunity to communicate spontaneously.
References
1 The National Mentoring Partnership, nmp.mentoring.org
2 “Group Mentoring — What is group mentoring?” National Mentoring Partnership, May 2002, page 1. http://www.mentoring.org/access_research/group
