National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS)

The National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS) provides a structured, systematic process for assessing the quality of a mentoring program’s practices in alignment with the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™, Fifth Edition (EEPM). MENTOR MD|DC uses NQMS to assist programs in identifying existing quality practices, acknowledging areas for improvement, and developing action plans to meet national standards, while providing ongoing training and support to achieve program goals. NQMS is an acknowledgement of a program’s efforts to continually focus on their own individual growth and development as the program evolves over time.

Why should my program take on the NQMS process?
The NQMS provides a meaningful indicator of quality for youth mentoring programs and lends credibility to individual programs to attract resources and support. It also helps families and volunteers feel confident about participating in a mentoring program that meets national quality standards. NQMS programs get priority search status in the Mentoring Connector, increasing their visibility for prospective volunteers!

How does NQMS work?
The core components of the NQMS are:

–A self-assessment survey completed by the mentoring program

–A review and summary response prepared by the program’s local MENTOR Affiliate

–An assessment review meeting between the mentoring program and their local MENTOR Affiliate

–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 Affiliate and/or local recognition of the program upon satisfactory engagement in the quality assessment and improvement process

How do I get started?
-Enter your program into the Mentoring Connector
-Connect with MENTOR MD|DC staff with your interest in NQMS
-Apply for NMRC Technical Assistance to request NQMS services

All programs who participate in NQMS are awarded a badge, for use on their website and promotional materials. Programs keep their badge status active (and can increase their badge level!) by committing to continuous quality improvement year after year with the support of MENTOR MD|DC.