The Difference Mentoring Makes
Feedback gathered through our evaluation, participant surveys and ongoing consultation demonstrates the impact of The Mullany Fund's mentoring programme on young people, volunteer mentors, schools and colleges across Wales.
“I don't know anything else that is on offer to schools in Wales that is similar to this programme. The fact that it offers coaching and mentoring, is open to a wide range of age groups, and provides equitable access is very important.”
Teacher feedback
Feedback from Young People
“I didn't know much about university and what it could offer me. My mentor helped me understand what I can do for my future and gave me a solid idea of what I want to do.”
“It has helped me understand the career path I want to follow, but it has also given me other options and helped me understand the different opportunities available.”
“I wasn't sure which part of nursing I wanted to go into, but the mentoring helped me clarify what I wanted to do. My mentor answered all my questions and gave me a real insight into the role.”
Feedback from Mentors
“I think it's amazing. I love doing it and I'm very happy to be a mentor. I'm grateful for the opportunity and for the experience I gain through being involved.”
“It gives young people motivation and guidance. They don't feel that they are by themselves; someone is listening to them. I wish I'd had that when I was younger.”
“The flexibility is excellent. I can answer messages when I have time, there is no pressure, and the online approach makes it easy to fit mentoring around work and other commitments.”
Building Confidence, Knowledge and Aspiration
“We developed a really positive working relationship and, at the end, she said how much it had increased her confidence and her ability to apply for university. It made university feel like an attainable goal. The programme makes a difference not only in skills, but also in self-confidence and self-belief.”
Mentor feedback
A Distinctive and Accessible Programme
Teachers and mentors consistently highlight the programme's distinctive combination of sustained one-to-one support, access to experienced STEM professionals and a secure online environment.
“It is unique in the way it brings together professional and academic mentors and connects them with students through a safe and structured system. I am not aware of other projects doing this.”
“The programme reaches young people from backgrounds who can otherwise slip through the cracks. It recognises that there is a significant gap to be filled in helping people from different backgrounds progress into higher education and professional careers.”
Young people taking part in The Mullany Fund mentoring programme.
Removing Barriers to Participation
“They do the outreach and make the process straightforward. All people need to do is say ‘yes’. Other processes can involve many more hurdles for both parties, but here the arrangements are made for you.”
The online model also enables young people and mentors to participate flexibly, regardless of location, travel limitations or competing commitments.
Feedback from Schools
“Having someone at a professional level whom a student can approach with questions about a career is extremely useful.”
“Students felt that, by the end, they understood much more clearly what they wanted to do, where they could go and how to enter that area.”
“It has proved invaluable. Those who engaged fully gained a great deal from it, including greater confidence and valuable experience of their chosen career pathway.”
Lasting Impact
Across feedback gathered from young people, mentors, teachers and partner organisations, one message is consistent: trusted relationships with experienced STEM professionals help young people build confidence, broaden aspirations, understand their options and believe that careers in STEM are within their reach.