Search Database

Support: Mentoring

• Guidebooks: Davidson Institute Guidebooks

  Mentoring Guidebook

  This guidebook from the Davidson Institute team is specifically designed to help parents and students interested in developing a mentorship. The guidebook will help you answer such questions as: Is a mentoring partnership appropriate? How do I locate a mentor? What kind of relationship is most beneficial? Use as an information guide to help establish, maintain, and conclude a mentorship.

• Organizations: International

  Academy of Achievement

  The Academy of Achievement sparks the imagination of students by bringing them into direct contact with the greatest thinkers and achievers of their age. The annual International Achievement Summit has provided thousands of outstanding students with an experience in which they draw inspiration, courage and strength from those who have shaped today's world.

  BizWorld

  This non-profit organization is designed to inspire children to be innovative leaders through the teaching of business, entrepreneurship and finance. With the BizWorld Foundation’s programs, teachers help their students to develop the critical thinking, leadership and teamwork skills that allow them to become financially responsible and productive members of society. In the U.S. and abroad, BizWorld programs show children in grades 3-8 how they will benefit from entrepreneurship, instilling confidence to reach their goals, and helping them become part of the next generation of innovators.

  Mentored Pathways

  Mentored Pathways facilitates electronic mentoring relationships between professional adults and students worldwide, and is recognized as the leader in the field of academic based mentoring. More than 15,000 students have received support, encouragement, and professional guidance. ITP serves students in K-12 as well as college and university settings.

  The Mentoring Group

  The Mentoring Group provides worldwide consulting/technical assistance, skill-based training, skill assessment, research/evaluation, and publications related to mentoring.

• Organizations: Local

  iMentor (New York, NY)

  iMentor's mission is to improve the lives of young people from underserved communities in New York City through innovative, technology-based approaches to youth mentoring and education. They work with schools, after-school programs, community technology centers, and other youth development agencies that serve young people from low-income neighborhoods.

  Science & Engineering Education - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Richland, WA)

  This organization has several educational programs for precollege and undergraduate students. Some of the opportunities available include shadowing an employee, being a student research intern or being a student apprentice (must be a Tri-Cities student for many of the programs). Professional development workshops are available for teachers.
  

• Organizations: National

  Advancing Hispanics/Chicanos & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

  Advancing Hispanics/Chicanos & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists—from college students to professionals—in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership. With a 36-year history, SACNAS is comprised of over 20,000 members, partners, and affiliates from a diversity of disciplines, institutions, ethnic backgrounds, and levels along the educational trajectory. SACNAS members are dedicated to giving back through mentorship, peer networks, and professional development, and to engaging in science research and leadership of the highest caliber.

  Agility Education Solutions

  Agility Education Solutions, founded by Dr. Michael Postma, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students identified as gifted/talented or those who are twice-exceptional (intellectually gifted students with one or more accompanying disabilities). The goal is to serve families, assist teachers, and develop comprehensive programming in public or private educational institutions.

  Amazing Kids!

  This non-profit organization's mission seeks to improve the lives of children by recognizing their fullest potential and providing them with the inspiration and tools to meet their objectives. They offer a variety of programs to support this mission. Visit the website to find fun and exciting contests, a "mentoring hub" which will connect you to a range of positive role models and more - all in support of excellence!
  

  Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) (Fairfax, VA)

  The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) is a non-profit organization founded in 1971. Their continuing goal is to encourage women in the mathematical sciences. AWM currently has more than 4,100 members (women and men) representing a broad spectrum of the mathematical community — from the United States and around the world!

  Center for Creative Learning

  This organization offers numerous publications, training programs and consulting services on creativity, creative problem solving, talent development, and learning styles.

  Center for Identity Potential

  The Center for Identity Potential offers specialized counseling and consultation services for gifted, talented and exceptional people. The team utilizes a group evaluation process with a systemic approach to access the various factors affecting each client’s presenting concerns and tailor support to meet these needs.

  Electronic Emissary

  The Electronic Emissary is a Web-based telementoring service and resource center that helps kindergarten through grade 12 teachers and students with Internet access locate mentors who are experts in various disciplines, for purposes of setting up curriculum-based electronic exchanges. The interaction that occurs among teachers and students face-to-face in the classroom is supplemented and extended by email, Web forum, chat, and teleconferencing exchanges among teachers, students, and volunteer mentors. These project-based online conversations typically range in length from 6 weeks to a full academic year, as students' needs and interests dictate.

  Joyce Ivy Foundation

  This nonprofit organization is committed to the academic advancement and leadership development of young women from the Midwest. The Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars program provides scholarships for talented high school women from the Midwest to participate in summer academic programs on the campuses of college partners. The Joyce Ivy Foundation College Admissions Symposium brings together students, families, educators and admissions officers to exchange critical information about applying to — and paying for — college. Their Mentoring Circles are a chance for Scholars and alumnae to connect with mentors and one another. Their reports contribute to national debates about college access.

  National Association of Math Circles

  Mathematical Circles are a form of education enrichment and outreach that bring mathematicians and mathematical scientists into direct contact with pre-college students. These students, and sometimes their teachers, meet with mathematical professionals in an informal setting, after school or on weekends, to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics. The goal is to get the students excited about the mathematics, giving them a setting that encourages them to become passionate about mathematics

  National Mentoring Partnership

  For more than a decade, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership has been leading the effort to connect America's young people with caring adult mentors. MENTOR was created in 1990 by financiers and philanthropists Geoff Boisi and Ray Chambers.

  Princeton Learning Cooperative (NJ)

  The Princeton Learning Cooperative is a center that helps teenagers live and learn without school by supporting teens to create a personalized education based on their interests, abilities and goals. The organization offer help developing a personalized plan, classes that run throughout the day, tutoring, help finding internship and volunteer opportunities, mentoring, help with college admissions and a safe and comfortable place for students to work and socialize.

  QuestBridge

  QuestBridge is a non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation's best colleges. QuestBridge is the provider of the National College Match Program and the College Prep Scholarship.

  Roadtrip Nation

  This organization provides a diverse and relevant collection of career exploration resources showing young people the vast scope of careers and possibilities. It also provides mentorship opportunities.

  Student Coaching Services

  Student Coaching Services offers programs for a wide swath of needs, most notably college and career planning. SCS has also grown to include a team of tutors and coaches from certified education backgrounds, all especially talented at bringing the best out of students.

  The National Society of High School Scholars

  The mission of this organization is to recognize academic excellence among high-achieving students from around the world and inspire them to reach their full potential. NSHSS is helping to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks. At each step along the way – from high school to college to career – NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.

  U.S. Intelligence Careers and Student Programs

  The U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) is a group of 17 federal intelligence agencies working together to protect the United States of America. This group focuses on an ever-expanding range of issues, from terrorist financing to drug trafficking, from climate change and environmental issues to foreign technology threats and nuclear proliferation. The IC offers students a wide variety of excellent programs to get a jumpstart on a career in intelligence, such as summer programs and internships.

• Organizations: State

  Quest Scholars Network (Palo Alto, CA)

  QuestBridge is committed to providing personal growth opportunities for individuals who were selected as National College Match Finalists and matriculated into QuestBridge partner colleges. The organization provides a supportive community for Quest Scholars by furthering their access to academic, leadership, and social service opportunities, thereby narrowing the gap between talented low-income college students and their peers. Each QuestBridge chapter is founded upon a commitment to these ideals.

  Young Scientist Program at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO)

  Founded in 1991, the Young Scientist Program is designed to attract high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds into scientific careers through activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active scientists.

• Printed Materials: Books

  20 Ideas for Teaching Gifted Kids in the Middle School & High School

  Attention, teachers of secondary gifted kids: Receive some of the best ideas and lessons developed by master teachers, in this book by Joel McIntosh. Both this and its sequel, 10 More Ideas for Teaching Gifted Kids in the Middle School & High School, feature ideas for starting mentorship programs, teaching history using scientific surveys, producing documentaries, and more.

  Apprentice to Genius: The Making of a Scientific Dynasty

  Corporate mentors are well known. Less visible are the "mentor chains" that from generation to generation produce eminent scientists. Kanigel traces one such chain in neuroscience and neuropharmacology. This book is about what, at the very highest level, can be taught: not information, but investigative style.

  Being the Parent You Want to Be: 12 Communication Skills for Effective Parenting

  Positive, effective communication with your children. What parent or caregiver wouldn't want that? Unfortunately, positive communication skills aren't something everyone is born with! Gary Page teaches everyone who works with and cares for children 12 time-tested skills that transform adult-child relationships.

  Developing Mentorship Programs for Gifted Students (Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education)

  Written by Frances A. Karnes, Ph.D. and Kristen R. Stephens, Ph.D., this guide offers practical strategies for starting and developing a mentoring program. As gifted students develop their interests and talents in a chosen area of study, it is often necessary to structure learning experiences with out-of-school mentors. From structuring a program, selecting a mentor, and monitoring progress, to ensuring success, this book provides an excellent introduction to this topic.

  Excellence Through Equity: Five Principles of Courageous Leadership to Guide Achievement for Every Student

  This book is an inspiring look at how real-world educators are creating schools where all students are able to thrive. In these schools, educators understand that equity is not about treating all children the same. They are deeply committed to ensuring that each student receives what he or she individually needs to develop their full potential—and succeed.

  Leadership in Gifted Education

  Ideal leadership attributes vary considerably all over the world. Many global projects have been started to develop leadership skills in children. This pleasantly accessible book is a clear intensive for working with children, who might be our future leaders and world changers. In addition, it is a guide to understand the situation of leadership in gifted education.

  Leaving to Learn

  Leaving to Learn is designed to help you deeply understand the real reasons kids drop out and the essential conditions for productive learning that today's adolescents require. The authors then make a argument: in order to retain students through to graduation, schools must offer experiences where students do some of their learning outside of school.

  Mentorship: The Essential Guide for Schools and Business

  Some students learn best in mentorship programs - either as an alternative educational experience or as an added component of a traditional education. For many students, mentorships provide an ideal setting in which students can excel in an area of interest. Successful mentorships, however, are not easy to establish. This book describes a highly successful mentorship program in "how to" terms that are easily applied and adaptable to a variety of situations.

  Parenting Gifted Children: The Authoritative Guide From the National Association for Gifted Children

  This comprehensive guide covers topics such as working with high achievers and young gifted children, acceleration, advocating for talented students, serving as role models and mentors for gifted kids, homeschooling, underachievement, twice-exceptional students and postsecondary opportunities.
  

  Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges get the most out of their Relationships

  A nuts-and-bolts guide for anyone who wants to create a connection with a protégé or mentor, or to improve a current mentoring relationship. This book contains illustrative examples and candid insights from fifty of America's most successful mentors and protégés. It shows how anyone (including those who are well established in their careers, or those who are just starting out) can become a successful mentor or protégé.

  The Mentor Kit

  Encourage students to excel in their areas of interest and talent by building a mentor program. In this comprehensive "starter kit," you will find methods for helping students identify their areas of interest, strategies for recruiting effective mentors, ideas for helping nurture a mentor relationship, and systems for growing your mentor program. The kit includes all the material you will need to develop your own school-wide mentoring program. This is a complete "nuts and bolts" program that has been used for more than 10 years in schools across the country by teachers, counselors, and administrators wishing to offer their students a strong mentor program.
  

  The Sky is not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist

  Inspiring memoir by the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York. He is a wonderful role model for young people considering a career in science. This book is very readable and humorous.

  Writing Because We Love To: Homeschoolers at Work

  This book describes several very bright young writers between the ages of 10 and 15; contains examples of their work; and provides information about how an adult writer mentored them.

• Schools & Programs: College Affiliated

  University of Georgia - College of Education, Torrance Center for Creativity & Talent Development (Athens, GA)

  This service, research, and instructional center is concerned with the identification and development of creative potential and with gifted and future studies. Its goals are to investigate, implement, and evaluate techniques for enhancing creative thinking and to facilitate national and international systems that support creative development.

  Vanderbilt Program for Talented Youth - Parent Support Groups (Nashville, TN)

  Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth offers support group opportunities for parents on Saturdays in the fall and spring. The meetings are held on Vanderbilt’s campus. The groups are facilitated by experienced counselors and psychologists with extensive training and knowledge of the needs of gifted children.

• Schools & Programs: Independent

  North Star (Hadley, MA)

  This organization provides a customized academic plan to map a personal educational approach. The academic plan will be based on the teen’s interests while also fulfilling the parent’s needs. North Star facilitates this process through discussion, brainstorming, and recommendations based on 16 years of supporting families through this process. If the teen is under age 16 the organization will help parents develop a homeschooling curriculum for submission to the local superintendent to certify the student as a homeschooler. This is the contract that makes leaving school legal for youths under age 16.

• Schools & Programs: Math & Science Programs

  Catalyst Project - American Psychological Association’s (APA) Center for Gifted Education Policy

  The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Center for Gifted Education Policy organized the Catalyst Project. Catalyst is a year-long mentorship program for high school juniors and seniors to work alongside Masters in the fields of chemistry and art. The program, funded by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, focused on providing top-notch research experience, guidance and peer support for talented students with a demonstrated interest in these fields.

• Summer Programs: National

  Adventures of the Mind

  Adventures of the Mind is a mentoring camp for promising high school students from all over the country. Camp locations vary each year. Mentors include astronauts, artists, athletes, economists, entrepreneurs, inventors, journalists, MacArthur geniuses, Nobel laureates, public servants, Pulitzer prizewinning writers, tech titans, scientists, scholars and more.

• Summer Programs: Northeastern Region

  UConn Mentor Connection (Storrs, CT)

  This summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors is located at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. and runs in July of each year. It is been designed to provide students with opportunities to participate in creative projects and investigations under the supervision of university mentors.

• Summer Programs: Southern Region

  The Institute For the Development and Enrichment of Advanced Learners (IDEAL) - Texas Tech (Lubbock, TX)

  The mission of IDEAL is to provide distinctive and unique outreach programs that promote academic excellence and diversity. The most important work is introducing underrepresented students to a collegiate experience and dispelling myths and fears about higher education. They offer a program called Shake Hands With Your Future, a summer residential camp for academically talented students. Students experience university life and attend two classes.

• Websites & Other Media: Commercial

  Counseling the Gifted - Andrew Mahoney

  Academic underachievement. Workplace performance problems. Inflexible institutions. Talents developed fully, at the expense of the full self. In more than 15 years of working with gifted and talented people, I've seen many of them struggle with issues like these. As a result, I've become convinced that focusing on their identity as a gifted person -- and how that relates to the whole self -- is the foundation for their growth. Learning how people are gifted and understanding it in the context of family, friends and co-workers is always the first step to reaching full potential and leading more fulfilling lives.

  GT College Advising: College Planning for the Exceptionally Advanced Student

  GT College Advising assists exceptionally capable students and their families in planning for and negotiating the high school years and the college application process. They work with students with unusually advanced academic profiles who often arrive with less traditional educational backgrounds, including magnet schools, hybrid online and brick-and-mortar education, dual enrollment, and/or homeschooling.

• Websites & Other Media: For Fun

  ICouldBe.org

  Register and choose your own e-mentor; connect with graphic designers, engineers, nurses, musicians, doctors, fashion designers, carpenters, veterinarians and hundreds of others. All communications happen on the website.

• Websites & Other Media: Informational

  Making Mathematics

  From 1999-2002, Making Mathematics matched students and teachers in grades seven through 12 with professional mathematicians who mentored their work on open-ended mathematics research projects. Although this program has ended, materials are still posted to the website for parents, students, teachers and mentors including mathematics projects, a teacher handbook, and a mentor handbook with information on pursuing mathematics research projects with middle- and high school students.

  Mentors, Role Models, and Heroes in the Lives of Gifted Children
  

  This piece of literature deals with mentorship’s, mentor programs for gifted students, the use of role models in gifted education, and the heroes of gifted children as compared to those of the general population. Written by authors Mary K. Pleiss and John F. Feldhusen.
  

  Probably the best thing I have ever done...

  This is a success story of a boy who initially had an opportunity to learn at his own pace with a mentor. After he began to excel in this area, he was able to formally accelerate within the school system.

  Science Buddies - How to Find a Mentor

  This article on the Science Buddies website provides advice on finding a mentor, particularly from a science perspective.

  The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented Newsletters

  In newsletters published by The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, parents and students can find information on subjects ranging from developing creativity in gifted children to helping with underachievement in gifted learners.

  YouthLeadership.com

  YouthLeadership.com is an online resource for youth leadership education and development, specifically designed for individuals interested in the education and preparation of youth leaders through high standards and timely information.