Bill > A05243

This bill establishes a high school peer mentoring pilot program to be implemented statewide across public high schools, with a structured three-phase approach. In the preparatory phase (before the 2026-2027 school year), the program will review existing mentoring models, collect resources, develop recruitment and support strategies, create communication tools, design mentor screening processes, and establish evaluation methods. During the 2026-2027 school year, the program will actively implement peer mentoring, provide virtual staff training, create a trainer team, develop mentor training resources, and use the Search Institute's developmental relationships framework to support mentoring relationships. The program will include specific training modules on skills like listening, identifying youth potential, understanding boundaries, and addressing challenges. After the pilot year, the department will assess the program, submit recommendations to the commissioner, advocate for continuation, and create a comprehensive report to be submitted to state leadership by August 31, 2027. The bill is set to expire on January 1, 2028, allowing for a focused evaluation of the pilot program's effectiveness in supporting high school students through peer mentoring.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5243