Extension Mentors: What They Do and What They Need

Extension mentors are charged with guiding early-career agents in many states, but little is known about what they do and how it compares to best practices. The purpose of our study was to identify the behaviors and needs of State Extension agents serving as mentors. We used an online survey of active mentors to collect data about their self-perceptions of their mentor functions, communication with their protégés, and the types of desired support. Mentors felt they were performing role modeling and career development functions more than psychosocial support functions. More comprehensive professional development is recommended to improve mentoring quality.