HIGH SCHOOL PEER MENTORING
Ignite Nation’s research-aligned peer mentoring program trains student leaders to facilitate monthly mentor-to-mentee sessions that strengthen belonging, attendance, and academic achievement.
25 YEARS | 1,700 SCHOOLS | 200,000 MENTORS | 1.2 MILLION STUDENTS IMPACTED |
25 YEARS | 1,700 SCHOOLS | 200,000 MENTORS | 1.2 MILLION STUDENTS IMPACTED |
25 YEARS | 1,700 SCHOOLS | 200,000 MENTORS | 1.2 MILLION STUDENTS IMPACTED |
25 YEARS | 1,700 SCHOOLS | 200,000 MENTORS | 1.2 MILLION STUDENTS IMPACTED |
Outcomes You Can Measure
Ignite delivers consistent outcomes because mentoring is intentionally designed and consistently delivered through a shared framework across the school year.
Within 1–3 years of implementing Ignite as a mentoring system, schools report:
25
higher attendance
30
fewer discipline referrals
36
increase in academics
89
increase in sense of belonging
Mentoring is most effective when it is intentionally designed and consistently delivered through a shared framework, allowing schools to build leadership capacity, academic habits, and belonging over time.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
For 25+ years Ignite’s High School Mentoring programs have helped schools nationwide raise engagement and belonging.
Grounded in research. The Cross-Age Peer Mentoring Meta-Analysis shows that programs with trained, well-supported mentors and clear structure are linked to meaningful gains in positive youth development. Ignite’s model follows these proven practices.
Bottom line: when these practices are in place, younger peers do better — academically, behaviorally, and socially (as our results show).
Our Results
Increased GPA and classroom engagement
Up to 25% higher attendance
30% fewer discipline issues
Students report feeling more connected, confident, and supported.
Want to know why our peer mentoring program stands out? Dive in!
Ignite in Action
See the impact of Ignite!
Duval Co., Fl — Executive Mentors from 24 high schools learning the skills and vision to lead their schools’ 9th-grade mentoring system
Clovis HS, NM — Student mentors review the introduction and parts, prepping for the ‘Adapting to Others’ M2M breakout
South HS, CA — Executive Mentor sharing a personal story, modeling for her mentors the importance of a great introduction
Classen SAS HS, OK — Mentors welcoming every incoming 9th grader during fall orientation, an add-on to the mentoring program
Kentwood HS, WA — Ignite Coach and Executive Mentors leading virtual mentor training time
Raymond HS, MS — 9th-grade mentees sharing their ‘Model 9th Grader’ with the class during their mentoring session
Big Fork SD, MT — Mentors preparing for the M2M session on stepping out of their comfort zone and losing their ‘cool card’
Rainier Beach HS, WA — Mentors leading freshmen in the ‘That’s Me!’ lesson
Mt. Rainier HS, WA — Executive Mentors review the Ignite Watch Tier I intervention list with their advisor, preparing to support their mentors
Fletcher HS, FL — Executive Mentors introducing recommended students to be part of the Ignite Mentor Team
Newburyport HS, MA — Student Mentors facilitating breakouts for incoming 9th graders during fall orientation on the first day of school (an add-on to the mentoring program)
Lincoln HS, MI — Mentor leading her mentees through the ‘Guess Who’ lesson
Foundational Phases
How the High School Mentoring System Works
Ignite mentoring is implemented through a connected sequence of foundational phases that establish clarity, leadership, and consistency for the year ahead.
Online, onsite, or hybrid—the same simple flow. Student mentors lead; advisors guide. Each step pairs real-world experience with intentional design to drive authentic conversations, build leadership, and show measurable growth. Fits advisory, 9th-grade class push-ins, or customized time blocks.
STEP 1:
Select Mentors & Define Roles!
Select Mentors & Define Roles
Identify students who represent your school’s values and can model positive behavior. The best mentor teams look like your lunchroom. With the right support, every student can be a mentor.
STEP 2:
Launch with Clarity!
Launch With Clear Expectations
Set expectations, goals, and team norms with our 2–3 day Spark Camp (onsite, virtual, or online). Mentors build confidence, practice facilitation, and get ready to lead orientation or lesson one.
STEP 3:
Run Monthly M2M Sessions
Run Monthly Spark Sessions
Once a month, student mentors lead a 30-minute mentor-to-mentee lesson guided by the provided Spark plug-and-play lesson and our mentor support system.
STEP 4:
Reflect, Recognize, & Track!
Reflect, Recognize, & Track Impact
Celebrate growth, collect mentor reflections, and monitor outcomes like attendance, behavior, belonging, and academic progress to demonstrate measurable impact and drive improvement.
Built for Impact. Powered by Students.⚡
Built for Impact. Powered by Students.⚡
Built for Impact. Powered by Students.⚡
Built for Impact. Powered by Students.⚡
Implementation
How the High School Mentoring System is Implemented
A structured approach that prepares advisors, trains student mentors, supports monthly sessions, and tracks progress over time.
How Schools Bring Ignite Mentoring to Life
Ignite provides schools with the structure and guidance needed to implement mentoring well without overcomplicating the process.
How Ignite Mentoring Is Implemented in Schools
1. Advisor Kickoff
Getting Started Series for Advisors
Our Spark Advisor Plug-and-Play Series: Advisors are guided step-by-step through online training to carry out the program with ease.
Topics Covered
- Mentoring Purpose — what it is and how to share the why schoolwide
- Inclusive Recruiting + Team-Building Process — build a diverse, reliable mentor team
- Executive Mentor Coaching — plus community service project planning ideas
- Sustainable Systems — yearlong calendar, roles, handoffs, and staff onboarding
Empower your staff to take the lead!
What’s Included
- School-Year Subscription — plug-and-play lessons (8–10) with advisor tools
- Recruiting Templates + System — inclusive outreach, applications, and selection
- Customizable, Turnkey Resources — slides, prompts, templates, and checklists
- Onboarding for Classroom Mentoring Time — quick-start routines and norms for mentor-to-mentee sessions
- Customized Coaching — yearlong calendar support and community service event planning
- Teacher + Advisor Discussion Guides — ready-to-use facilitation support
- Resource Videos — short advisor and mentor how-tos
Everything you need—ready to download!
🚀 Simple training, turnkey resources, real momentum from day one!
🚀 Simple training, turnkey resources, real momentum from day one!
🚀 Simple training, turnkey resources, real momentum from day one!
🚀 Simple training, turnkey resources, real momentum from day one!
2. Mentor Training Camp
Mentor Training Camp
Intensive, student leadership training that prepares mentors to lead with confidence and consistency.
Ignite’s Mentor Training Camp is more than a feel-good event—it’s a game-changing kickoff that transforms students into leaders.
Through hands-on training, real-world mentoring practice, and powerful team-building, your mentors will be equipped to lead, connect, and positively impact school culture throughout the year.
How It Works
- Day 1 — Executive Mentor vision and leadership development
- Days 2–3 — Mentor Camp co-led by the Executive Mentor and the Ignite Team
- Team-Building in Action — hands-on, high-energy challenges that build trust and unity
- Interactive Activities — focused on growth mindset, mentoring skills, team building, servant leadership, and planning real-world service projects
- Prepared and Ready — to lead 9th-grade orientation and your first mentor-to-mentee session
Lock in your training dates today!
What Mentor Camp Builds
- Confidence & 21st-Century Leadership — mentors are ready to guide and inspire peers.
- Communication + Collaboration — more assertive speaking, empathy, self-management, and teamwork.
- Session Facilitation — equips mentors to lead monthly Spark sessions and foster authentic relationships.
- Alignment with School Goals — aligns mentors with schoolwide goals through SIP, MTSS, and Portrait of a Graduate.
- Culture Catalysts — prepares mentors to drive positive school-culture change.
Empower your high school mentors to take the lead!
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
🚀 Leadership is practiced here.
3. Monthly Mentor Sessions
30-Minute Mentor-to-Mentee (M2M) Time
Structured, recurring mentor-to-mentee experiences embedded into the school schedule.
Each Session Includes
- Step 1: Student mentor’s personal story introduction
- Step 2: Interactive activity / challenge
- Step 3: Discussion prompts to spark dialogue
- Step 4: Reflection takeaway
Empower your high school mentors to take the lead!
Benefits Mentees Gain
- Practical Guidance for High School Life — real tips from older students on academics, friendships, routines, and navigating campus.
- Stronger Decision-Making + Problem-Solving — mentors walk them through real situations, choices, and “what to do when…” moments.
- Healthier Relationship Skills — mentees learn how to recognize positive vs. negative friendships and respond to peer pressure or red flags.
- Better Academic Habits — mentors share realistic strategies for staying organized, improving GPA, managing time, and building study routines.
- Increased Confidence + Resilience — mentees feel supported, seen, and capable as they talk through obstacles with a mentor who understands.
🚀 Ready-to-run sessions—zero prep, real connection.
🚀 Ready-to-run sessions—zero prep, real connection.
🚀 Ready-to-run sessions—zero prep, real connection.
🚀 Ready-to-run sessions—zero prep, real connection.
4. Metrics & Milestones
Year-Round Feedback System
Clear indicators schools can track to monitor participation, growth, and system health over time.
From Launch to Lasting Impact
- Celebrate Progress — student spotlight, social media highlights, & schoolwide events
- Track Impact — surveys, reflection tools, & motivation
- Gather Feedback — quarterly input from students, staff, and other stakeholders
- Turn Insights into Action — strengthen outcomes, justify funding, & evolve the system
- Show Measurable Growth — baseline comparisons, goal-aligned metrics, & shareable reports
Signals It’s Working
- Connection + Trust Built — mentors and mentees learn names, share stories, and establish a safe, supportive relationship.
- Consistent Routines Established — sessions follow a predictable structure, and mentees understand expectations, participation, and how to access support.
- Growing Engagement — mentees begin opening up, asking questions, and engaging confidently.
- Academic + Social Skills Strengthen — students use practical strategies for organization, friendships, decision-making, and navigating high school life.
- Increased Confidence + Belonging — mentees feel connected, supported, and more capable — leading to better attendance, engagement, and overall school connection
🧩 Metrics + milestones = sustained results.
🧩 Metrics + milestones = sustained results.
🧩 Metrics + milestones = sustained results.
🧩 Metrics + milestones = sustained results.
This isn’t just a program. It’s a movement for change.
Enrichment Option for Student Peer Mentoring
Expansion Pathway: Ignite Leadership (CTE)
Expansion Pathway: Ignite Leadership (CTE)
For-credit leadership training aligned to your mentoring system.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) course that trains student mentors. A 34-week, action-based class where students design lessons, facilitate monthly sessions for incoming 9th-graders, lead activities, and advance school goals in attendance, behavior, and culture—finishing with demonstrated, career-ready leadership skills for the 21st century.
What Students Gain
Ignite impacts every student—those who lead and those who follow.
Mentors Build
- Confidence, purpose, and real leadership experience
- Strong communication and public speaking skills
- Collaboration, teamwork, and adaptability
- Real-world problem-solving and accountability
- Service hours and real-world responsibility
- Workforce-ready skills to lead, collaborate, and thrive
Mentees Gain
- A sense of belonging and connection to school
- Confidence through positive peer role models and encouragement
- Growth in goal-setting, study habits, and academic engagement
- An advocate who helps them navigate high school and believes in their potential
- Opportunities to build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through teamwork
Ignite Mentoring builds the workforce-ready skills every graduate needs: communication, collaboration, and confidence in action.
Enrichment Options for Student Peer Mentoring
Expansion Pathways: Extend Your Impact
Expansion Pathways: Extend Your Impact
Layer these on to deepen readiness, smooth transitions, and lift school climate—without changing your monthly mentoring rhythm.
High School & Beyond
College & career readiness for grades 10–12. Students explore postsecondary options, practice professional skills, and lead service projects—so graduation comes with a plan and real experience.
Transitions & Orientation System
Transition to high school with a mentor-led orientation system. Spring Readiness visits and a high-energy Fall Orientation reduce anxiety, build connection, and set clear expectations for 9th grade.
Power Within!
Student-led culture-building event for a whole school or grade level. A customized one-day experience that sparks honest dialogue, strengthens relationships, and boosts school climate.
Choose Your Level of Support
From plug-and-play to districtwide support—select the level that’s right for you.
Strategic Partnership
Build a sustainable district-wide mentoring system aligned with your vision and MTSS/PBIS Goals.
- Includes all features of the Implementation Partnership +
- Co-design mentoring model in alignment with district leadership
- 6 hrs. of Professional Development (Ignite Compass)
- Full access to Ignite Leadership CTE Curriculum
- Data, evaluation, and sustainability planning
- Ongoing consulting and curriculum customization
Implementation Partnership
Launch your mentoring system with guided support, ready-to-use tools, and hands-on training.
- Includes all features of the Program Support package +
- Getting Started video series (6 concise 10–15 minute trainings)
- 40+ editable templates, checklists, and yearlong planning tools
- Onsite, virtual, or online mentor camp
- Quarterly coaching calls and sustainability guidance
- Optional Student Expansion (Power Within, Transitions & Orientation)
Program Support
Ready-to-use Spark lessons and light touch coaching to strengthen student leadership and 21st century skills.
- Annual subscription to Ignite’s Spark plug-and-play lessons
- Aligned with Portrait of a Graduate and life-ready competencies
- 3-hour virtual onboarding & coaching session
- Ideal for established programs seeking consistency and renewal
Choose your delivery model
Choose Your Delivery Model
Three proven ways to bring Ignite to life on your campus.
Choose the delivery model that fits your school’s goals and schedule:
Onsite Delivery
Ignite Coaches and trainers facilitate in-person mentor and advisor training for a transforming hands-on experience.
Virtual Training
Ignite coaches and trainers guide your mentor and advisors through live, interactive sessions using our online training platform.
Spark Plug-and-Play
A turnkey model led by your building team using our ready to launch Spark video lessons and advisor tools.
Ignite’s push-in design works within current class time allowing schools to build leadership and belonging without adjusting the master schedule.
See Our Spark Lessons
Plug-and-play lessons that make student-led mentoring easy and effective.
The ⚡ Spark ⚡ sequence builds community, academic momentum, and leadership.
Each session runs 30–45 minutes:
- story
- activity
- discussion
- reflection
Check out our High School Mentoring Spark Lessons, or sign up to get a free sample lesson!
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about our high school mentoring program? Check this out!
Does this replace advisory or other supports?
No. Ignite strengthens what you already have. It plugs into advisory, study hall, 9th-grade courses, or counselor pull-outs and aligns with MTSS/PBIS and Portrait of a Graduate goals.
How do we measure impact?
Schools track attendance, behavior referrals, on-track/GPA, engagement, and student belonging. Mentors and advisors set goals and use quick reflections/pulse checks to monitor growth in student belonging and academic success and adjust each month.
How much time does it take to launch?
Most schools launch within 2–3 weeks.
Our recommended timeline:
Advisor Getting Started videos → about 1 week to select mentors and set roles → 1–3-day Mentor Kickoff Camp → first mentor-to-mentee session (or 9th-grade orientation) by the end of weeks two or three.
Is Mentor Training Camp Required?
No—if you’re already running a strong mentoring program, keep going! We love seeing schools build systems that work.
We do, however, highly recommend our 3-day Mentor Training Camp because it gives your mentors the foundational skills, team development, and Ignite methodology needed to lead a sustainable yearlong system.
Can Ignite tailor the program to our school/district?
Absolutely. Ignite customizes your training events, monthly lessons, and recommended add-ons to match your school or district goals—including focus areas like Ignite Watch for Tier I, II or III support.
Ready to Ignite your High School Mentoring Program?
Join the 1700+ schools proving that student peer mentoring changes everything.
Book a discovery call to get a tailored launch plan: goals, calendar fit, mentor recruitment, and first-M2M-session support.