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Depth Mentoring Institute (DMI)

Summer Search’s Depth Mentoring Institute (DMI) is an adult-focused learning and development program which promotes knowledge dissemination, best practice creation, and experiential learning to build competencies for anyone engaging as a mentor.

We believe that mentoring is an honor and responsibility many adults naturally take on—whether formally or informally—and it’s crucial to mentor with intention and care. For over 35 years, Summer Search has been at the forefront of the youth development field, using mentorship as a transformative tool to unlock opportunities for young people.

Our Depth Mentoring model, refined over decades of research and practice, is designed to equip adults—whether they are managers, colleagues, teachers, or volunteer mentors—with the skills to be impactful mentors in any setting.

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Our Vision

DMI envisions a world where all young people thrive, supported by mentors who are equipped with the tools to guide them through life’s challenges.

Our approach is based on the Depth Mentoring framework, which uses four key lenses: Trauma Sensitivity, Critical Consciousness, Stages of Development and Identity Formation, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). These lenses form the foundation of meaningful, supportive relationships that allow young people to succeed in school, in the workplace, and beyond.

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Our Offerings

DMI is an adult-focused learning and development program that brings together decades of mentorship expertise and the latest research to provide:

  • In-person and virtual training sessions—both live and self-guided.
  • Tools and resources for action and reflection-based learning.
  • Coaching and observation opportunities to build real-world mentoring skills.

We promote the development of best practices, enhanced relationship-building skills, and a deep understanding of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) principles.

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Why DMI? 

DMI stands apart because it is shaped by 35 years of direct service mentoring and is continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s youth.

Our training framework resources mentors to provide: 

  • Stronger, high-quality mentorship
  • Evidence-based coaching for real-life application
  • Tools to prioritize well-being in all relationships
  • Enhanced skills for creating positive, trusting connections
  • Improved advocacy for identity navigation and personal growth
  • Better integration of EDIB practices into daily work and life
  • Greater employee retention and satisfaction

Transformative Outcomes

At DMI, we know that when adults use the four Depth Mentoring lenses, they foster thriving relationships that not only support adolescents and young adults but also enhance organizational culture and management practices.

Together, we can shape a future where mentorship is a transformative force for good, ensuring that every young person has the supportive environments, partnerships and supports they need to flourish. 

Join us in creating a world where responsible mentoring leads to empowered, thriving young people.

Get Started

Interested in learning more about training or supporting the DMI program?

Sign up for our Interest Form: 

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Download a Depth Mentoring Think Piece

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August 8, 2022

Conscious Connections: DMI x Deer Hill

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