The 4 S’s Interview

Description of Resource:  This interview activity provides questions mentors/mentoring programs can ask a young person to express care and to help get to know them better. The 4 S’s includes different questions in the following categories: Sparks; Strengths; Struggles; and Supports.

Note: This resource should be used in combination with those that provide more comprehensive and holistic guidance and tools for building a relationship with a mentee and preparing for any sensitive disclosures.

Goals:  To allow mentors to get to know a young person better and build stronger relationships through an activity/interview.

Target Population/Eligibility or Target Sites: Mentoring Programs

Corresponding Elements of Effective Practice: Match Support

Key Personnel: N /A

Additional Information: N/A

Publisher/Source: Search Institute

Authors: Search Institute

Date of Publication: August 2019

Resource has not evaluated for effectiveness.

This resource can be accessed freely online:

4 S’s

Evidence Base: N/A

Additional References:  N/A