The Pennsylvania State University Augmentative and Alternative Communication Mentor Project

Penn State AAC Mentor Project - Sharing the Knowledge of AAC Users

About This Site

Establishing a Mentor Project

Outcomes

Further Information

Conclusion

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Establishing a Mentor Project
Step 6: Match mentors and protégés

Back to Step 6.

Penn State's Experience: How did the Penn State AAC Mentor Project match mentors and protégés?

The Penn State AAC Mentor Project implemented a number of approaches to ensure that mentors and protégés were well matched. First, mentors were provided with training on how to promote positive relationships with their protégés. (For further information about this training, see the section on training mentors or go to the revised AAC Mentor Leadership Training web site).

The mentors were also asked to provide a photograph of themselves and a description of their interests, experiences, and strengths as a mentor. This information was then presented on a website. Once protégés determined their personal goals for the mentor program, they were sent to the website. They had the opportunity to read about 5 or 6 different mentors. They were then asked to make a list of mentors that they felt could help them reach their goals. From this list of preferences, the Penn State AAC Mentor Project team matched each protégé with an appropriate mentor. Final matches considered

the protégé’s needs and goals
the mentors skills and experiences
the protégés’ preferences
the participants’ personalities and expectations.

Once protégés were matched with an appropriate mentor, an E-mail message was sent to the mentor introducing him or her to the protégé. The message also provided the protégé’s goals and asked the mentor to contact the protégé to start the mentor program. A similar message was sent to the protégé, introducing the mentor.

Continue to Step 7.

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