Strategic Enhancement to Greater Cincinnati Mentoring Programs

This solicitation invites eligible applicants to propose research and evidence-based enhancements to mentoring programs based on three strategies: (1) involving the parents and family in activities and services, (2) delivering structured activities and programs for the mentoring matches, and (3) developing training and support for mentors. Research studies and evaluations of best practices have indicated that mentoring programs that provide multiple modes of treatment addressing both individual and environmental characteristics tend to be the most effective. This initiative is authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-8.

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative will enhance their mentoring program in Focus Area 3 - adding or enhancing the training and support available to mentors. Cincinnati Youth Collaborative proposes the Strategic Enhancement to Greater Cincinnati Area Mentoring Programs. CYC is a nationally acclaimed agency that links public and parochial school students to fill the anticipated need for mentoring an additional 34,000 youth in Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington and Newport, Kentucky. CYC is part of MentoringWorks, a regional mentoring collaborative. Collaborative members develop plans for increasing program quality by increasing mentor recruitment and retention, enhancing training for mentors and staff, and implementing structured activities for the mentoring pairs, with some including parents and other family members. Staff training will include evidence-based methods. The overarching goal is 'Increase positive outcomes for mentoring participants who are in contact with or at-risk of involvement in juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problem and high-risk behaviors.' The project goal is 'Strengthen existing community mentoring collaborations that focus on recruiting, training and supporting mentors.' Two process strategies increase applicant resources to support implementation. Four program objectives provide mentoring, enhance training, develop structured activities and include parents and family in some activities. The implementation plan draws on resources funded by the grant, applicant staff contributed as leveraged resources, along with participation of mentoring staffs across the region. CA/NCF