This guidebook has been compiled to help school staff and community volunteers implement one-to-one friendships with students needing special attention. High-need disadvantaged youth, talented and gifted students, and adolescents having a temporarily difficult time in their lives can all benefit from mentoring. The mentor program for which this guide was originally developed was planned for middle school students, but has been adapted for elementary and high school partnerships with community organizations. Topics covered include: (1) steps for starting a mentoring program; (2) questions about mentoring; (3) how a mentor can help; (4) essential elements of a successful mentor program; (5) qualifications and responsibilities of key players in a mentor program; (6) an agenda for mentor orientation and training sessions; (7) guidelines for meetings and gathering; and (8) program implementation guidelines. A sample mentor's agreement and sample forms for a mentoring program are included. (SLD)