MentorPRO Celebrates Dr. Jean Rhodes’ Recognition for Top-Cited Research on After-School Programs

March 19, 2025

MentorPRO proudly congratulates Dr. Jean Rhodes, a leading researcher in youth mentoring, on receiving an award from Wiley Publishers for her top-cited article in Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to understanding the impact of after-school programs (ASPs) on youth with marginalized identities.

Dr. Rhodes co-authored a meta-analysis, “The Effects of After-School Programs on Youth with Marginalized Identities,” which systematically examined the impact of ASPs on key developmental outcomes. The study analyzed 615 effect sizes across 56 studies, encompassing data from over 128,000 youth in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Key Findings of the Study

The research addressed critical gaps in understanding ASPs by exploring their effects on mental health, academic performance, social functioning, and self-perception. The findings revealed that:

ASPs had a small but significant positive impact on youth outcomes (g = 0.2049, p = .001, 95% CI = 0.08–0.33).
The effectiveness of ASPs varied based on program structure and quality.
Programs that incorporated mentorship, skill-building, and social support were particularly beneficial for youth facing systemic barriers.

Implications

These findings underscore the importance of structured, high-quality after-school programming in fostering resilience and well-being among youth from marginalized backgrounds. The study advocates for improved program evaluation, increased investment in staff training, and the development of interventions that directly address the unique needs of marginalized youth.

MentorPRO’s Commitment to Evidence-Based Mentoring

Dr. Rhodes’ research is integral to MentorPRO’s mission of enhancing mentoring relationships through evidence-based tools and strategies. The study’s findings reinforce the need for structured, well-supported mentoring initiatives—an approach embedded in MentorPRO’s digital platform, which equips mentors with the resources to effectively engage and support mentees.

“Our work at MentorPRO is directly informed by research like Dr. Rhodes’—helping us refine best practices for mentoring programs nationwide,” said Dr. Alex Werntz, MentorPRO’s Director of Research and Associate Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring. “This recognition is a testament to the impact of rigorous, data-driven approaches to mentoring and youth development.”

About MentorPRO

MentorPRO partners with universities and nonprofit organizations to connect mentors and mentees through a digital-first approach. By integrating cutting-edge research into mentoring best practices, MentorPRO empowers mentors to create meaningful and lasting relationships that enhance youth development.

Read the Full Article

Access the article through the Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology’s online library or request the PDF from the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring.