Mentoring in education – mentoring programs for students

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In a nutshell

• Mentoring often helps students choose a career path and plan their future.
• In a US study 55% of students had a mentor; lack of opportunity to find a mentor was the main barrier.
• At Polish universities mentoring programs are less widespread, but interest is growing.

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• Platform Platforma Mentiway centralizes recruitment, pair matching, online meeting tools and reporting, making it easier to launch programs at universities and **facilitates scaling and monitoring of programs**. Contact: Contact Mentiway

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• Also read related articles:
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  • Report “Diagnoza Młodzieży 2026” – what is really happening with the younger generation and how can mentoring help?

Mentoring at universities in the USA and UK 

Mentoring for students is a practice rooted in the early development of higher education. However, it was only in the 20th century that it became a popular and widely accepted form of support for young people during their higher education.  

In the USA, mentoring for students gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, when the number of university students increased and educational systems began to develop. At that time various student organizations and support programs were established to integrate and help students achieve academic success. Mentoring became an integral part of these initiatives, providing students with emotional, professional and personal support. 

In the United Kingdom, the history of student mentoring is just as long. The universities of Oxford and Cambridge pioneered systems of mentor care for students. As higher education developed, mentoring practices also evolved. As a result, students had access to experienced mentors who helped them deal with academic and personal challenges. 

Today, in the USA and the United Kingdom, student mentoring is a common practice. Mentoring programs operate in many universities, institutions and student societies, and mentors help young people succeed academically, develop social and professional skills, and plan their futures.  

Mentoring for students in the USA – research findings 

We found an interesting study — available online at https://reports.collegepulse.com/student-voice-mentor-connections__WAT_F00029_T0003__ — which shows the current state of mentoring for young people in the United States. Below we present the data we consider most noteworthy: 

• As many as 55% of students in the USA have or had a mentor 
• The most commonly cited mentor was professor/teacher (56%), in second place another student (53%) followed by a dedicated academic advisor (42%). Only 17% of respondents listed alumni. 
• The vast majority of respondents met their mentor informally – during classes (57%), fewer in clubs and organizations (36%) or at work and internships (22%). 21% of relationships were established through formal mentoring processes. 
• On the other hand, we also see that among students who did not participate in mentoring the biggest barrier was the inability to find a mentor (53%), which clearly demonstrates that organized mentoring programs are important. 
• Mentoring relationships most often helped students choose a career path (64%). Many also related to student life itself regarding course selection (53%) and getting oriented to student life (48%). 
• The vast majority of students were satisfied with mentoring (87%). 

Types of mentoring programs for students 

Mentoring at universities has enormous potential, which directly arises from the needs of a given student group. Below we present several types of mentoring present at higher education institutions. Of course, this list is not exhaustive. 

• Academic Mentoring focuses on supporting students’ academic achievement. Mentors in this type of program help students understand course material, prepare for exams, plan their academic careers and make course selection decisions. It is often particularly useful for first-year students who are just beginning their university journey. 
• Career Mentoring: Mentoring programs related to career development help students better understand which career paths are available in their field of study. Mentors who are already professionally active in a given industry share their experiences, highlight key skills and help students prepare to enter the labor market. This type of mentoring can be extremely valuable for students in professionally oriented programs. 
• Social Mentoring focuses on the personal and social aspects of student development. Mentors help students cope with life challenges, build relationships, develop communication skills and make appropriate life decisions. This type of mentoring can be particularly helpful for students who are dealing with personal issues or need emotional support. 
• Community Mentoring: Community-based mentoring programs focus on engaging students in community activities and volunteering. Mentors help students find ways to contribute to their local or global communities. This not only develops social skills but also shapes social and ethical attitudes. 
• Mentoring for women in science and technology: To promote greater representation of women in science and technology fields, many mentoring programs are dedicated to female students. Mentors who have succeeded in these fields help young women overcome barriers and develop their scientific or technical careers. 
• International Mentoring: International mentoring programs connect students with mentors from different countries. This helps students develop global perspectives, build intercultural skills and establish international professional contacts. It is particularly valuable in today’s global work environment. 

Benefits of mentoring for students 

As with the various types of mentoring programs in education, the benefits for students depend on the program’s design and the needs arising from it. 

Academic support 

One of the key benefits of participating in a mentoring program is academic support. Mentors help students understand material, offer study advice, and assist with scheduling classes and exams. As a result, students can improve their academic performance. 

Direction and purpose 

Mentoring programs help students define their goals and career direction. Mentors with experience in a given field can provide valuable guidance and help develop an action plan. This is especially important for students who are still unsure which career paths they would like to pursue. 

Development of soft skills 

Mentoring is not limited to academic aspects. Mentors help students develop interpersonal skills such as communication, conflict management, and relationship building. These are valuable skills that are useful not only at university but also in professional and personal life. 

Boosting motivation and self-confidence 

Mentors often serve as sources of inspiration and motivation. With their support and positive feedback, students’ confidence can grow, helping them overcome challenges and take risks in pursuit of their goals. 

Building a professional network 

Another significant benefit is the opportunity to build professional contacts. Mentors active in a particular industry can help students establish valuable relationships that may pay off in the future. This can assist in finding internships, placements, or even a first job. 

Preparation for the job market 

Mentoring programs focused on professional development help students prepare for the job market. Mentors provide guidance on CV writing, job interviews and career planning. This practical knowledge can increase students’ chances of finding their desired job. 

Developing leadership skills 

In mentoring programs, students often have the opportunity to act as mentors for other students. This is an excellent chance to develop leadership and mentoring skills that are valued in the professional world. 

Supporting gender equality 

Mentoring programs for female students, especially in fields where women are underrepresented, can help promote gender equality in academic and professional settings. 

Participation in mentoring programs is an investment in students’ personal and professional development. The benefits of mentoring are diverse and affect many aspects of student life and future careers. Therefore, it is worth considering participation in such a program, both for those who need academic support and for those who want to develop their social skills and steer their careers in the right direction. Mentoring is an opportunity for growth and achievement that is worth taking advantage of.