Frequently Asked Questions

What is mentoring?

A mentor is defined as a "wise and trusted advisor," someone who nurtures and guides a younger protégée, or "mentee," in the pursuit of their goals. Most of us have had mentors-an aunt, a teacher, a coach, a pastor-who inspired us to achieve great things while helping us avoid negative influences and potential barriers. But not all youth in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties are so lucky. Many lack positive role models and struggle to find voices of wisdom and compassion in their community.

Does mentoring work?

The mentors provided by formal programs such as the BOCES Youth Mentoring Program are able to achieve powerful results for the youth they work with. Prominent studies* of mentoring programs found that mentored youth:

• were 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs
• were 27% less likely to initiate alcohol use
• were 38% less likely to engage in violence
• skipped school 52% less
• decreased lying to their parents by 37%

* Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures

How does the BOCES Youth Mentoring Program provide mentoring?

The program recruits volunteers from the community to serve as one-to-one mentors with youth from ten local school districts. Matches meet weekly during the school year. The matches meet at the school location of the mentor’s choice, where mentors assist with academic and educational activities, and trips into the community, where they can explore additional recreational and youth developmental activities.

The BOCES Youth Mentoring Program takes a broad developmental approach to mentoring that focuses on helping youth build their own capacity to succeed in education and in life. By empowering youth to make good decisions and set positive goals, the program strives to impact:

• Academic achievement and attitudes towards school and education
• Truancy
• Family and peer relations
• Youth self-esteem and confidence
• Alcohol and substance abuse

Who can serve as a BOCES Youth mentor?

Any caring high school junior/senior or adult from our community can serve as a mentor provided he or she has an open mind, a compassionate heart, and the desire to give back to the community. Mentor applicants must be able to pass our screening process, which includes a criminal background records check including finger printing, a personal interview, reference checks, and pre-match orientation. Mentor applicants must agree to the time requirements of the program (one and a half to two hours a week for a minimum of one year- program follows the school calendar) and have access to transportation to mentoring activities.

Who are the youth in the program?

Because we believe that every child can benefit from the gifts of a mentor, the BOCES Youth Mentoring Program is open to all students at the participating school districts. Most youth are referred to the program by teachers, counselors, and parents. Each referral is evaluated and a determination is made if the right mentor is available for that student. For those students not matched right away, they are put on a waiting list. Our mentees come from diverse backgrounds and have diverse needs. But more than anything, they simply need someone to help show them the way, regardless of their specific goals and dreams.

Which school districts participate in the BOCES Youth Mentoring Program?

Cuba-Rushford Central
Little Valley-Cattaraugus Central
Fillmore Centralserved at Houghton College location
Wellsville Central
Belfast Centralserved at Houghton College location
Portville Central
Genesee Valley Central
Randolph Central
Scio Central
West Valley Central

How do I know that the BOCES Youth Mentoring Program is a safe, quality program?

The program follows the established program guidelines found in the National Mentoring Partnership’s Elements of Effective Practice. These guidelines ensure that:

• All volunteers are properly screened and trained prior to working with their mentee.
• Youth are matched with an appropriate mentor that can help them achieve their goals.
• Meaningful youth development activities form the core of the mentoring relationships.
• The program rigorously supervises the mentor-mentee relationships.
• Appropriate policies and procedures are in place to govern the mentoring relationships and program operations.
• Ongoing training and support is offered to all participants.
• The program is rigorously evaluated for continuous improvement.

How can I learn more?

Learn more about the BOCES Youth Mentoring Program by visiting us on the Web at www.caboces.org and click on Youth Mentoring Program under the Students & Parents column, or by calling us at (716) 376-8386 or 8370. We’re happy to answer your questions and explain more about how we bring the magic of mentoring to the youth of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties.