As a strategy for helping young people succeed in school, work and life, mentoring works. It helps give young people the confidence, resources and support they need to achieve their potential. The fact is this: these positive outcomes are only possible when young people are engaged in high-quality mentoring relationships. The "Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring" holds the key to success in producing high-quality relationships. The new edition of the "Elements" provides six evidence-based standards for practice that incorporate the latest research and best-available practice wisdom. It also reprises advice that appeared in earlier editions on program design and planning; program management; program operations; and program evaluation. This edition of the "Elements" is divided into two parts: (1) Operational Standards for Mentoring Programs ("or mentoring embedded into larger, positive youth development programming, like afterschool programs"); and (2) Program Design and Planning, Management and Evaluation. A glossary of terms is included. Individual sections contain references. [For the Second Edition, see ED502219.]