Program Evaluation and Research

MentorNet's evaluation and research program is multi-faceted, including annual evaluations and specialized evaluation studies that focus on both formative and summative aspects of MentorNet. Our evaluations are particularly designed to continue to improve our programs, and to assess early indications of outcomes.

MentorNet is also interested in engaging the related research communities in collaborative work to understand better the process and benefits associated with e-mentoring and the use of electronic communications for networking and mentoring for students and professionals in engineering, science, mathematics and technology fields. MentorNet currently relies on external evaluators to help us conduct evaluation and research projects, and seeks special purpose grants to continue and expand this work.

The MentorNet Advisory Group on Research, Evaluation and Dissemination (MAGRED), a group of internationally and nationally recognized scholars, was formed as a result of a grant from the National Science Foundation. From 2000 to 2003, this group provided advice and direction for MentorNet's evaluation and research program. The group's expertise encompassed the fields of electronic communications usage, women in engineering and science, mentoring, e-mentoring and science education evaluation. Several members continue to advise MentorNet on an informal basis.

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Students Perceptions of the Need for Mentoring

In 2006-07, MentorNet surveyed approximately 2,500 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars about their perceptions of the value and need for mentors.

• Research Brief and Full Study

Success Sustained by Study: A summary of nine years of evaluation findings

This report, completed October 2007, provides a summary of findings from the first nine years of MentorNet's One-on-One program evaluations.

• Report (HTML Version)
• Report (PDF)

2003-2006 Evaluation Report for MentorNet's "Industry" One-on-One Program

• Executive Summary (PDF)

2003-05 Academic Career E-Mentoring Report

• Executive Summary (PDF)
• Full report (PDF)

2004 E-Mentoring for Women of Color Report

• Report Highlights (Microsoft Word)
• Full report (PDF version)

2002-03 Evaluation Report

• Report Highlights (Microsoft Word)
• Report Highlights (PDF version - recommended)
• Full Report (Microsoft Word)
• Full Report (PDF version - recommended)

2003 Exemplary Pairs Study

• Executive Summary (Microsoft Word)
• Full Report (Microsoft Word)

2001-02 Evaluation Report

• Microsoft PowerPoint Version
• PDF Version (recommended)

2000-01 Evaluation Report

• Executive Summary
• View the Report (Without Appendices) as an Acrobat File
• View the Entire Report (With Appendices) as an Acrobat File
• Appendix A - History and Findings from Evaluation Program (PDF format)
• Appendix B - Protégé Questionnaire (PDF format)
• Appendix C - Mentor Questionnaire (PDF format)
• Appendix D - Explanation of Factor Analysis (PDF format)
• Interview Study of MentorNet 3C Students (PDF format)
• Interview Study of MentorNet 3C Campus Representatives (PDF format)
• Analysis of Open-Ended Survey Responses for MentorNet 3C, MentorNet International, and MentorNet MSI Initiative Students (PDF format)

1999-00 Ithaca Evaluation Group Evaluation Report

• Executive Summary
• View the Report (Without Appendices) as an Acrobat File
• View the Entire Report (With Appendices) as an Acrobat File
• View the Appendices Only as an Acrobat File

1998-99 Quality Evaluation Designs Long-Term Evaluation Report

• Long-Term Report (Microsoft Word)

1998-99 Ithaca Evaluation Group Evaluation Report

• Executive Summary
• View the Entire Report as an Acrobat File
• View the Entire Report as a Microsoft Word Document

1997-98 Evaluation Report

• Executive Summary