Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

State-Funded Mentoring Program Performance Mixed; Take Stock and Best Buddies Do Well

Report 11-11, March 2011




Report Summary

  • The Legislature appropriated $10 million for Fiscal Year 2010-11 to six mentoring programs intended to help K-12 students enhance their social, life, and/or academic skills. These programs served over 28,000 students during the past year. Although there is some overlap, the programs generally vary in structure, portion of budget supported by state appropriations, and primary focus.
  • Students who participated in two programs (Best Buddies and Take Stock in Children) outperformed comparison groups of similar students in three or more performance areas by achieving better academic and behavioral outcomes, such as reading at grade level and having few disciplinary incidents. Results for the remaining programs were mixed, with students exceeding the performance of peers in some areas but performing comparably or lower in other areas.

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
mentoring, mentor, state-funded mentoring programs, student performance, academic performance comparisons, student mentoring, academic mentoring, social mentoring, student outcomes