“It’s not like family, it is family”: reflections on a mentoring program for boys of color
Files
Accepted manuscript
Date
2019-10
Authors
Durand, Tina M.
Version
Accepted manuscript
OA Version
Citation
Tina M Durand. 2019. "“It’s not like family, it is family”: Reflections on a mentoring program for boys of color." Phi Delta Kappan, Volume 101, Issue 2, pp. 52 - 55. https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721719879156
Abstract
Early adolescence is a time of great potential and vulnerability, especially for boys of color. Research is replete with examples of how mentoring can help young people through this challenging period, but less is known about what students themselves want from such relationships. Tina Durand interviewed and conducted focus groups with boys of color participating in an after-school mentoring program to learn what they valued in a mentor. Common themes included mentors’ ability to relate to students; their unconditional support; their affirmation of students’ best traits, especially in the face of racial stereotypes; and their ability to inspire students.