Several key collaborations occured during this timeframe. Melanie Goldman of BBN hosts the first telementoring workshop in Boston. The National Mentoring Partnership honors HP with the 1997 National Corporate Leadership Award for the success of the HP Telementor Program. Major Web development occurs over the summer to automate the application and matching tasks. The first external evaluation of the program is conducted by Brian Cobb at the Research and Development Center for the Advancement of Student Learning.
Results show significant benefits for teachers, students and mentors.
In addition, many program refinement opportunities areas were discovered. These refinement opportunities became the foundation for program changes over the next year. The Singapore Ministry of Education partners with HP to launch a telementor pilot program for 200 students. Overall participation climbs to 2,000 students. HP Telementor Program Advisory staff develops plan to migrate the program outside of HP and use it as a foundation for the International Telementor Center.