NCJ Number
167563
Date Published
Unknown
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the development and characteristics of a Central Nervous System (CNS) network to support the mentoring community in California.
Abstract
Currently, there are approximately 270 mentor programs throughout California. The programmatic focus of mentor programs varies from activity-based to one-to-one interactions between mentor and mentee to more focused activities such as tutoring and job services. In November 1996 the Technology Task Group met to begin brainstorming on how to realize the development of a CNS to support the mentoring community. Members of the task group began to make commitments of hardware, software, programming, technical support, and Internet connectivity. The CNS is in the process of development; it will contain the most up-to-date information on programs that provide mentoring services, including descriptions of services, waiting lists, training opportunities, and current activities or events. Mentor programs will be able to use the relational database for their mentor/mentee file system, even to collect simple program impact information on their matches. Potential mentors will be able to learn more about the benefits of mentoring and the availability of mentor training. Current mentors can share information and discuss the challenges and success they experience with other mentors through a "locker room" chat area. Charts illustrate the components of the CNS and the web site function hierarchy.