News & Updates

National Mentoring Month: How The ND Alliance’s Eye to Eye Mentoring Program Supports Neurodiverse Young People

“It built a community with other people with learning differences that made me feel more seen and comfortable with my neurodivergence.” – University School of Nashville Mentor, 2-3 years

January is National Mentoring Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the impact of mentoring and its power on individuals and communities. At The Neurodiversity Alliance, our Eye-to-Eye Mentoring Program is designed specifically for students who learn differently, including those with Dyslexia, ADHD, and other disorders that impact learning, such as processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and more.

“I got to see myself grow from being a mentee who wouldn’t talk at all to being a mentor who is learning how to be a leader and help others. I also got to learn my passion for working with ND kids and helping the community” – Peak to Peak Mentor, 3+ years

About the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program

Over the past 25 years, the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program has operated in more than 1,000 public, private, and charter schools in over 25 states, serving a diverse population of students. This weekly, school-based program is led by and for students who learn differently, aiming to build critical social-emotional skills that enhance educational experiences and outcomes.

“Helping kids understand and find versions of themselves they’ve never felt before helps me clearly understand things about myself I’ve never seen before either. I feel comfortable and more prepared for the future when I am put into a scenario where I am an adult.” – NYC Lab School Mentor, 2-3 years

We collaborate with colleges, universities, and high schools to recruit, train, and support staff advisors and student mentors aged 16 and above who learn differently, empowering them to serve as chapter leaders and near-peer mentors. At the same time, our partnerships with middle and elementary schools engage students in grades 5 through 8 who learn differently, inviting them to participate as mentees. Throughout the school year, mentors and mentees meet weekly in small group settings, engaging in structured projects and activities that foster growth, development, and meaningful connections.

Get Involved

As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, we invite schools, educators, students, and community members to join us in expanding the reach of the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program. Whether you’re interested in bringing the program to your school, becoming a mentor, or supporting our initiatives, your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of students who learn differently.

Visit our website at thendalliance.org/mentoring to learn more about the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program and how you can participate.

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