Why Peer Mentoring Works
It’s more than a program.It’s a proven strategy to succeed!
Research shows that peer-to-peer mentoring in high schools leads to measurable, schoolwide benefits:
- Higher Academic Achievement – Mentored students report improved GPA and academic motivation (Karcher, 2005).
- Stronger Peer Connections & Life Skills – Mentors and mentees develop empathy, build communication skills, and gain a deeper sense of belonging (CASEL-aligned outcomes).
- Improved Attendance & Behavior – Schools see reduced absenteeism and fewer behavior referrals (Herrera et al., 2011).
- Portrait of a Graduate Skills – Students grow in critical thinking, communication, and purposeful decision-making through peer-led experiences.
The Payoffs
40
increase in graduation
45
increase in attendance
89
increase in sense of belonging
Research Shows the First Year Matters Most
Student success starts with a strong first year
70
feel overwhelmed by anxiety
23
are having suicidal thoughts daily
40
are failing 2 or more classes
Our 4-Part Mentoring System
Built for Impact. Powered by Students.
Ignite Nation’s flexible system meets your school where you are: online, onsite, or hybrid. Each step blends real-world experience with intentional design to spark authentic conversations, leadership, and growth.
What makes it different? Student mentors lead the way, sharing their stories, guiding activities, and creating real connection that lasts.
This isn’t just a program. It’s a movement for change.
STEP 1:
Advisor Kick-Off!
Advisor Kick-Off!
Getting Started Series for Advisors
Topics Covered:
- What mentoring is and how to spread the word
- Customizable turnkey resources
- Inclusive recruiting & team-building process
- Yearlong calendar + community service events
- Creating a sustainable system
- Yearlong sustainable systems & staff onboarding
Everything you need—ready to download!
STEP 2:
Mentor Kick-Off Camp!
Mentor Kick-Off Camp!
Student Mentor Kick-Off Training Camp
Book your 3-Day Ignite TEAM Onsite Camp or take the lead and launch your own Spark Mentor Camp! You decide…same system, same process followed.
- DAY 1: Executive Mentor vision and leadership development
- DAY 2-3: Mentor Camp co-led by Exec-Mentor & Ignite Team
- Teambuilding in Action: Get ready for hands-on high-energy team building!
- Interactive activities: focused on Growth Mindset, Mentoring Skills, Team building, servant leadership, and planning real-world service projects.
- Prepared & Ready: to lead 9th grade Orientation & your first mentor-to-mentee session.
Lock in your training dates today!
STEP 3:
Monthly Mentor Sessions
Monthly Mentor Sessions
30-Minute Mentor-to-Mentee Time
Every Session Includes:
- Student mentor’s personal story introduction
- Interactive activity / challenge
- Discussion prompts to spark dialogue
- Reflection takeaway
Explore our monthly lessons here!
STEP 4:
Metrics & Milestones
Metrics & Milestones
Year-Round Feedback System
- Celebrate Progress: Student spotlight, social media highlights, & schoolwide events
- Track Impact: Surveys, reflection tools, & motivation
- Gather Feedback: Quarterly input from students, staff, & other stakeholders
- Turn Insights into Action: Strengthen outcomes, justify funding, & evolve the system
Ignite WATCH & Quarterly Celebrations Drive the Date
Improve attendence, improve referrals, improve academics!
Mentor Kick-Off Camp
Before the year begins, give your student mentors a powerful launch. Ignite Mentor Camp equips them with leadership tools, mentoring strategies, and the confidence to drive change across campus.
It’s more than just inspiration — it’s real-world skill-building and culture transformation.
Schools that implement mentor programs see measurable gains in attendance, fewer discipline referrals, and stronger academic outcomes among freshmen and first-year students.
Choose YOUR Level of Support:
Online, Onsite, or Both!
Built for Staff Simplicity & Sustainability
- Plug-and-play with ready-to-use lessons and advisor coaching
- Student-led, so mentors take the lead
- Flexible, designed for your advisory period, study hall, or class pull-outs
- Supported, all year with monthly coaching, onboarding videos, and planning toolkit
See our program in action
We have proudly partnered with NCCEP/Gear-Up schools and districts for the last two decades. Hear directly from one of our Texas partnering schools, which presented our program at the NCCEP National Conference.
Let’s Build a Culture Where Every Student Belongs.
Schedule a free 30-minute strategy call to get your custom mentoring launch plan!
Our programs support both remote and onsite settings
Advisor Getting Started
Our Spark Advisor Plug-N-Play Series: Advisors are guided step-by-step through online training to carry out the program with ease.
- School year subscription
- Empower your staff to take the lead
- Recruiting Templated System
- Onboarding 9th grade classrooms
- Teacher Discussion Guides
- Resource Videos
Ignite Spark Plug-N-Play Curriculum
Spark Plug-N-Play lessons are teacher-friendly and ready to launch—no prep required
- School year subscription
- ‘Get-Real’ topics empowering student voice
- Customized School Page
- 30 min Video Lessons
- Built in Discussions
- Teacher Reflections
Mentor Kick-Off Camp
What our Mentor Kick-Off Camp delivers:
- Builds confidence and 21st-century leadership skills to guide and inspire peers
- Strengthens communication, empathy, self-management, and collaboration
- Equips mentors to lead monthly Spark sessions, foster authentic relationships
- Aligns student leaders with school-wide goals like SIP, MTSS, and Portrait of a Graduate
- Prepares mentors to be catalysts for positive school culture change
Student Mentor Training System
Training System for 10-12th grade student mentors supporting 9th grade students.
- Optional CTE course ‘Educational Leadership’
- Optional pullout training advisory mode
- Staff overview and expectations
- Mentor Contract
- Reflections & Growth Assessments
- Monthly Webinars
- Monthly Advisor Coaching
- Spring Transitions
Education Leadership Course (CTE)
- 34-week Ignite Educational Leadership course
- Learn the Art of Mentorship
- Servant Leadership & Project Planning
- Relationship Skill Development and Resiliency
- Capstone Project presented to the school community
Optional College Credit
Executive Mentors can earn 1 college credit per year all students will learn 21st Century Skills aligned with Portrait of a Graduate.
- Effective Communication
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision Making