Mentor Retention Best Practices
Recruiting talented industry professionals is only the first step in building a successful ACE Mentor Program. Retaining experienced mentors creates continuity for students, strengthens affiliate leadership, and reduces the time and resources needed to recruit and train new volunteers each year.
Mentors who feel supported, appreciated, and connected to the program are more likely to return year after year. By investing in the volunteer experience, affiliates can build a strong, engaged mentor community that serves as the foundation of a sustainable and impactful program.
A mentor’s experience begins long before the first student meeting and continues after the program concludes. Retention begins during recruitment and onboarding.
Successful affiliates:
- Clear expectations for time and responsibilities.
- Straightforward onboarding
- Communicate clearly and consistently throughout the program year.
- Provide mentors with the resources they need to succeed.
- Respond promptly to questions and concerns.
Mentors who feel prepared and supported are more likely to remain engaged and continue volunteering.
Mentors who receive pre match training are more likely to stay engaged with the program. Ongoing training helps too! In addition, it’s important to let mentors know of all the resources available to help them run successful sessions.
- Host a kick off training event
- Share out ACE National training opportunities
- Watch a previous ACE training together
- Review curriculum resources with mentors
Regular communication helps mentors feel informed and valued throughout the year. Affiliates should provide updates on program milestones, student achievements, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement. Checking in with mentors more frequently in the beginning – even if it’s a group email to the mentor team.
Consider communicating through:
- Monthly newsletters
- Email updates
- Volunteer meetings
- Social media
- Mentor appreciation events
- Affiliate networking opportunities
Maintaining communication during both the program and the off-season helps strengthen relationships and encourages mentors to return.
Mentors are more likely to return when they feel connected not only to students, but also to one another. Creating opportunities for networking and collaboration helps build lasting relationships within the affiliate. Many mentors join ACE to meet other like minding individuals – help them connect with mentors throughout the affiliate – not just their team.
Affiliates can foster community by:
- Hosting mentor kickoff meetings.
- Organizing networking events.
- Encouraging collaboration across mentor teams.
- Celebrating program milestones together.
- Sharing mentor success stories and best practices.
A strong mentor community creates a positive volunteer culture that naturally supports retention.
Recognition is one of the most effective ways to retain volunteers. While many mentors volunteer because they want to make a difference, acknowledging their time and expertise reinforces that their contributions are valued.
Recognition may include:
- Nominate mentor for National Award
- Acknowledge years of service
- Thank-you letters or emails
- Thank you from the mentor’s supervisor (contact information is in the database)
- Certificates of appreciation
- Volunteer recognition events
- Spotlights in newsletters or social media
Don’t forget to recognize participating companies as well. Employer support often makes employee volunteerism possible and deserves acknowledgment.
Many mentors value opportunities to expand their own leadership and professional skills.
Affiliates can encourage continued engagement by offering opportunities to take on new responsibilities. Developing intentional leadership pathways can prove to be an effective retention tool.
Experienced mentors may choose to:
- Serve as Team Leaders.
- Mentor new volunteers.
- Join board committees.
- Assist with mentor training.
- Participate in scholarship reviews.
- Serve on the affiliate board or advisory committee.
Providing pathways for leadership keeps experienced volunteers invested in the program while strengthening the affiliate’s volunteer pipeline.
Gather Feedback
Mentor feedback is essential for continuous improvement. Affiliates should regularly ask volunteers about their experiences and use that feedback to improve recruitment, onboarding, communication, and program operations.
Consider collecting feedback through:
- End-of-season surveys
- Individual conversations
- Mentor roundtable discussions
Sharing how feedback has been implemented demonstrates that mentor perspectives are valued and encourages future participation.
Tracking retention metrics helps affiliates evaluate volunteer engagement and identify opportunities for improvement.
Recommended metrics include:
- Annual mentor retention rate – not just if mentors stick it out for the program year. Track if mentors are returning.
- Number of returning mentors – if mentors don’t return, send a survey to find out why
- Average years of volunteer service
- Mentor satisfaction survey results
Reviewing these metrics annually can help affiliates identify trends, recognize successful strategies, and develop plans to strengthen long-term volunteer engagement.
Need guidance?
Reach out to your Regional Director or the ACE National Team for support on additional Retention Best Practices.