Bridges and barriers in Australia's youth mentoring programs

MacCallum, J. and Beltman, S. (2003) Bridges and barriers in Australia's youth mentoring programs. In: Kochan, F.K. and Pascarelli, J.T., (eds.) Global perspectives on mentoring: Transforming contexts, communities and cultures. IAP-Information Age Publishing, Inc., Greenwich, CT, pp. 73-103.

Abstract

Mentoring is an old idea that works. Research has shown that mentoring is one of the five short-term imperatives for reversing the high dropout rate of high school students. Mentoring is a powerful way to provide adult contacts for youths who receive little guidance in their schools, homes, communities, and workplaces. Supportive one-on-one relationships provide youths with the opportunity to explore career paths and broaden their horizons. Adult mentors serve as beacons of hope for young people adrift in an uncertain world. (Dondero, 1997, p.881)