There are many colleges that have mentoring programs for all students and alumni. These mentoring programs range from help with courses to personal problems, and some colleges even offer these programs as a way of connecting with others for job experience or networking.

Mentoring programs are generally offered through the coordinator or student information offices, as well as at online colleges through the library. There are opportunities for current students and teachers to become a mentor. Some online colleges allow for their current students who have completed more than 1 course to become a mentor. This position is always unpaid and done on a volunteer basis. These students are assigned other students to help walk them through any questions they may have about the courses setup, use of the website, how to submit assignments and even on how to access their own grades and advisors. Generally at all colleges, a student is given an advisor upon enrollment. This advisor will help them through the act of choosing courses and degree levels, assist with matching a student with a mentor and even help with the first few weeks of class.

Mentoring programs extend from the college level and are available to high school students as well. These mentors are generally persons who are experienced in the field of study that high school students with to enter into. These mentors make their time available to help with any questions a student may have from entering the job market, to giving information on college courses or degrees that are required specific to a type of work. Many employers offer mentoring programs as well, for their current employees.

A mentor can be defined as someone who volunteers their time to help others in a quest for knowledge, or companionship. Big Brothers and Big Sisters across the United States is a mentoring program. Persons that are over 18 years of age are screened and tested, and then younger people are assigned to these mentors to spend time with and help to positively affect their lives. This program allows young people to spend time with people older than themselves, and allows them to gain insight, perspective and learn from their mentor. Each mentor is responsible for his or her charge throughout the time they spend with them. The charge, or young person, is to spend a certain amount of time each week with their mentor in order to properly gain information from the mentoring program doing specific activities. These guidelines are set forth prior to a mentor ever being given a charge.

Mentoring programs are available for children of all ages, all across America through the local Red Cross and Health Departments. Each of these offices can give more information as to the requirements for charges and mentors, as well as the opportunities for you to help others while completing your volunteer work. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters website also offers information on mentoring programs, and can be searched for your local branch in the area.