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Mentor Training Best Practices

Mentor preparation should not be viewed as a one-time event. Instead, affiliates should provide a combination of orientation, mentor training, and ongoing professional development to ensure mentors feel confident, supported, and equipped for success. While mentors do review a short training module when they register, it is always advised to expand upon this at the affiliate level.

A comprehensive mentor training program helps volunteers understand not only what they will do as an ACE mentor, but how to engage and support students throughout the ACE Mentor Program.

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Although often used interchangeably, orientation and mentor training serve different purposes. Both are essential components of preparing volunteers, but each addresses different aspects of the mentor experience.

Mentor Orientation
Orientation introduces volunteers to the ACE Mentor Program and prepares them for participation within their local affiliate. The goal is to ensure every mentor understands the program’s mission, expectations, policies, and logistics before working with students.

Orientation answers the question:

“What do I need to know about ACE before I begin?”

Mentor Training
Mentor training focuses on developing the skills needed to effectively work with students. It prepares volunteers to facilitate learning, engage students, manage group dynamics, and create an inclusive and positive learning environment.

Training answers the question:

“How can I become an effective mentor?”

Both orientation and training should occur before the program begins and should be reinforced throughout the year.

What to Include in Mentor Orientation
Orientation should provide mentors with the information they need to understand how the program operates and what is expected of them.
Recommended orientation topics include:

Program Overview

  • ACE Mentor Program mission and vision
  • Affiliate goals and priorities
  • Program calendar and important dates
  • Student demographics and participating schools

Volunteer Expectations

  • Time commitment
  • Attendance expectations
  • Communication protocols
  • Professional conduct
  • Confidentiality expectations

Student Safety

  • Youth protection policies
  • Background check requirements
  • Appropriate mentor-student interactions
  • Mandatory reporting requirements (if applicable)
  • Emergency procedures

Program Year overview

  • Meeting locations or virtual platforms
  • Curriculum and project overview
  • Available teaching resources
  • Technology tools
  • Affiliate contacts and support

An orientation session should leave mentors feeling informed, welcomed, and prepared to begin the program.

What to Include in Mentor Training
While orientation focuses on program information, mentor training develops the practical skills volunteers need to work effectively with students. ACE national has a virtual, on demand new mentor training that affiliates can share with mentors.

Affiliates can also share the slides during an in-person training.

The most effective mentor training includes opportunities for discussion, scenario-based learning, and sharing experiences among mentors.

Training does not need to be lengthy, but it should be intentional and engaging. Affiliates may choose the format that best fits their volunteers and program schedule.

Training formats may include:

  • In-person workshops
  • Virtual training sessions
  • Recorded webinars
  • Panel discussions with experienced mentors
  • New mentors paired with experienced mentors

Please Explore ACE National Mentor Training Page

Mentor training should continue throughout the program year.

As mentors gain experience, they often seek new ideas, teaching strategies, and opportunities to strengthen their mentoring skills.
Affiliates are encouraged to provide regular learning opportunities that reinforce best practices and address emerging topics.

These can be provided at the affiliate level, or you can share out ACE National’s Mentor Training series.

Explore: Mentor Retention Best Practices

Effective training should evolve based on mentor feedback and affiliate needs. At the end of each program year, evaluate your training efforts to identify opportunities for improvement.

Consider asking mentors:

  • Did orientation prepare you for the program?
  • What training topics were most valuable?
  • What additional resources would have been helpful?
  • What challenges did you encounter while mentoring?
  • What training topics should be added next year?

Using mentor feedback to improve training helps ensure volunteers feel prepared, supported, and confident each year.

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ACE Mentor Training Resources

The ACE Mentor Program has developed a growing library of recorded webinars and training resources that affiliates can use to support mentor development. These resources provide flexible learning opportunities for both new and returning mentors and can be incorporated into orientation, annual training, or ongoing professional development.

Topics include:

  • Mentor best practices
  • Student engagement strategies
  • Project facilitation
  • Team leadership
  • Affiliate operations
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Scholarship and competition guidance
  • Special program initiatives

Because webinars are available on demand, mentors can access training at a time that fits their schedules, making it easier for affiliates to provide consistent, high-quality professional development throughout the year.

Video Tutorials

Link

Webinars

Link

Helpful Tip: Create a recommended learning path by assigning a few recorded webinars to new mentors before the program begins and sharing additional webinars throughout the year as optional professional development.

Need guidance?

Reach out to your Regional Director or the ACE National Team for support on additional Training Best Practices.

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