One-to-One Mentoring (Traditional)
In traditional mentoring programs, one adult and one youth meet consistently over time to form a relationship. The adult becomes a role model, a trusted friend, and a person who tries to guide and inspire his or her mentee. Research shows that one-to-one is the most effective type of mentoring, but it also requires a high level of commitment. Most mentoring programs require several hours of training, and they ask that you meet with your mentee one to two hours a week, for either six, nine, or twelve months.
 

 Group Mentoring
In group mentoring one or more adults mentor a small group of youths. Typically one to three mentors work with six or eight children. Group mentoring programs usually have a theme (academics, sports, community service, relationships, etc.). Good programs train their mentors on the use of a set curriculum, and they monitor and support mentors and mentees throughout the mentoring cycle. Sessions occur at a regularly scheduled time (usually weekly, for one to two hours), and mentors work consistently with the same mentees. In group mentoring, adult mentors aren't usually able to develop the close relationships they might have in a one-to-one match, but group mentoring is a good setting for teaching skills, and for helping mentees learn how to work together. Some mentoring programs use both group and one to one mentoring. Having both models is beneficial because the program can evaluate which youths could best benefit from being matched one-to-one. Also, an adult new to mentoring can get his or her feet wet (in the group mentoring setting) before making a commitment to mentor one-on-one.
 

 Peer Mentoring
Sometimes called "cross age peer mentoring," young people are mentored by other young people. Program managers know that it's best if the mentor is more emotionally mature, and it also helps if the mentor is at least two years older than his or her mentee. Being too close in age and development can cause confusion for the participants. Good peer mentoring organizations run their programs much like the traditional adult to youth model. That is, there is a set structure for participants to be screened, trained, matched. They are also monitored and supported throughout the mentoring cycle. Peer mentoring most often occurs at school sites, but some community based organizations also implement this model.
 

 Online Mentoring
The mentoring in this model occurs over the Internet via email. In online or "e-mentoring," an adult is paired with a youth to provide guidance, advice, and sometimes even tutoring. Safe online mentoring programs have all communications monitored by the program manager before they are passed on to the mentor or mentee. Some online mentoring programs focus on the development of specific skills, especially in the areas of business or technology. At this time, no online mentoring programs have become members of the Mentoring Coalition of San Diego County. In fact, we haven't heard of any such programs in our region, but we know that they will soon be developed.

The listings in the directory provided hereindicate what type of mentoring each agency provides, and tells you a bit about each program. To get involved, we suggest you pick three programs you might be interested in and call the agency contact to get more information. Agencies should return your call within three business days--if you do not hear back from an agency, please try another.