Intentional student-adult relationships nurture understanding and ignite self-discovery, inspiring young people to pursue their passions and thrive in school. But these relationships aren’t evenly distributed within the education system, helping some students succeed while unintentionally leaving others behind. By creating a relationship-centered learning environment, you can amplify equity and empower students to explore future career paths.

MENTOR and American Student Assistance Logos

Watch the video below to learn how relationship
mapping can help you center relationships in schools

Benefits of Relationship-Centered Schools

Intentional student-adult relationships within schools provide many benefits to young people, including:   

  • Discovery of passions and exploration of future career paths
  • Increased access to professional networks, internships, and future jobs
  • Connections to advisors, coaches, and mentors
  • Improved engagement, grades, attendance, and overall well-being
  • Greater self-confidence and expanded sense of future possibilities

Here are two resources to get you started:

Relationships with Caring Adults are a Key Part of the Student Success Puzzle

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Use of Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds to Support Relationship- Centered Schools

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Mentoring Mindset & Social Capital in Schools Training

Training by Dudney Sylla

Download Infographic

Testimonials

“The relationship-centered school approach has changed how I provide mentoring programs to school sites. It has validated the power and importance of relationships for students and staff and has caused us as an office to be more aggressive in making sure that every program and school embraces this concept. Although we are just starting this movement, it has changed the trajectory of our mission and vision and services.” Name: Darrin Person, MSW Title: Fresno Unified Mentor Office Manager
Quote: We know that trusting, consistent, and reciprocal relationships with peers and adults are critical nourishment for adolescent identity formation. Schools that take seriously their responsibility to support this relationship building ensure students have the fuel they need to flourish as learners and leaders. Name: Emily McCann Title: Former CEO, Citizen Schools and Board member, ASA

Additional Resources

ng Students’ Networks
ASA Futurescape
Relationship Mapping Strategy
ASA’s Middle School Exploration Program
Social and Emotional Learning: Exploring Models and Strategies for Mentoring Programs
Relationship-Focused Schools Initiative
Relationship-Centered Schools Framework
Growth Mindset Toolkit and Implementation Guide
View Search Institute’s The State of Relationships Webinar

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  • MENTOR National and Affiliates will use the information you provide to better inform future publications and keep you up to date with advancements in the mentoring field. For more information, check out our privacy policy.