Gifted Adolescents as Co-Learners in Mentorships

Abstract

Mentorships are co-learning partnerships that link resourceful adolescents with supportive, talented persons in the school or community. These partnerships offer real-life experiences that can support gifted adolescents’ emerging self through ideal adult role-models and significant social interaction. This article describes in detail the goals of mentorship programs for gifted adolescents: reality, relationship, and responsibility. In addition, descriptions of several mentorship programs are provided and evaluated to examine key organizational facets.