How Near-Peer Mentoring Creates Tomorrow’s Leaders

Mentoring has been around for many years and has shown to have many positive outcomes for all participants. In InspireMartial Arts, the mentoring program that is implemented is called the TNT Team, or Teachers In Training. This is a “near-peer” type mentoring program that is very structured and incorporates a full curriculum and training system. The members are hand-chosen by their instructors and the process and outcomes of this near-peer mentoring approach benefit both mentees and mentors.

Although mentoring is not a new topic, near-peer mentoring provides a new variation to this timeless approach. This method of mentoring involves people that are closer in age, although the mentor is still old enough to act as a role model.

The biggest advantage to this, however, is that the mentor has a stronger element of relatability than in a typical mentoring relationship. Mentors that are closer in age to the mentees often have more success in reaching them than adults do.

The TNT team is an exclusive team for Martial Arts students with aspirations of becoming leaders within the community so they are the perfect fit to be in the mentor position. TNT Team members are chosen on the highest standards of behavior, performance, attitude, willingness to serve others, and commitment to their art. The program covers topics from leadership lessons to hands-on training.

In the TNT Team mentoring program, the benefits that the mentee gains from participating in it are invaluable. They feel more connected to their peers and have longer-lasting relationships. In addition, connections with adults they interact with are improved and they have better attitudes towards school and learning. All of these things ultimately increase their self-esteem so they are more confident to try new things and feel more equipped to handle the ups and downs of life.

But not only does this type of program benefit the mentees, but the mentors also gain important skills. They learn a sense of responsibility while serving in this role and they also learn communication skills, relationship management, and leadership skills.