The Need to Belong

In this recent article from the Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring, learn about a new 2025 meta-analysis that found significant positive correlations between belonging, academic outcomes, and mental health. This post offers up suggestions for mentoring programs based on the meta-analysis conclusions.

“Their findings suggest that that schools and programs should take steps to ensure that students feel a sense of belonging, particularly during transitions, and emphasize developing peer connections early in the first year.”