QUALITY ASSESSMENT
The National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS) provides programs with a structured, systematic process for assessing the quality of a mentoring program’s practices in alignment with the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring Programs 4th edition as developed by MENTOR and its affiliates.
Mentoring relationships are proven to work best when steps are taken to ensure that a program's practices meet quality standards. The NQMS can help a program show commitment to quality improvement as well as strengthening the field by aligning work with best practices.
THE NATIONAL QUALITY MENTORING SYSTEM
The National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS) is the only free online tool available nationally for mentoring programs to conduct self-assessments.
Based on the latest mentoring policies, practices, experiences, and research, the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ (EEPM) serve as the gold standard for mentoring best practices.
The NQMS can assist mentoring programs and initiatives with:
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identifying existing quality practices
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acknowledging areas for improvement
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developing action plans to meet national standards
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providing ongoing training and support to achieve goals
BENEFITS FOR YOUR PROGRAM
The NQMS allows programs an easy way to assess their opportunities for growth, receive a quality designation and training and technical assistance to support program improvements over time.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR COMPLETING THE NQMS
SHOW COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Invest in self-assessment to show commitment to quality improvement as well as strengthening the field by aligning work with best practices.
IMPRESS FUNDERS WITH DATA
Demonstrate the quality of your mentoring program and mentoring outcomes in quantifiable ways so that funders know the impact of their investments.
ELEVATE YOUR PUBLIC IMAGE
Promote that your program has completed the NQMS with a press release, social media and an emblem on your website as well as joining a public list of Quality programs in New York State.
ACCESS THE MENTORING CONNECTOR
Receive exclusive access to the Mentoring Connector, the only national database of mentoring opportunities, which will elevate your mentor recruitment efforts.
HOW IT WORKS
The core components of the NQMS are:
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A self-assessment survey completed by the mentoring program, with questions about program operations, management and evaluation.
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A review and summary response prepared by MENTOR New York.
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An assessment review meeting.
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The development of goals and a work plan for the program to make quality improvements with the help of training and support provided by the MENTOR New York.
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Recognition of the program upon satisfactory engagement in the quality assessment and improvement process
The NQMS can be repeated every three years to show continued growth and quality.
SPOTLIGHT
"At Compeer we serve youth who are living with a mental health diagnosis and safety is our #1 goal. Going through the National Quality Mentoring System provided us with the opportunity to view our agency through a different lens and make the necessary adjustments to ensure safety and quality programming. In addition, we learned effective strategies to significantly improve our internal structure and procedures. The support and guidance we received was exceptional and I highly recommend this process to other youth mentoring organizations."
- Cheri Alvarez, M.S., Chief Operating Officer, Compeer
PROGRAMS WHO COMPLETED NQMS IN 2019
Join the list of programs who've completed the NQMS and proven commitment to quality mentoring and continuous improvement.
