Matching, training and support enhancements at three mentoring sites in Detroit and Lansing (MI) to demonstrate the effectiveness of advocacy-oriented mentor engagement in serving high-risk youth

This demonstration program will support collaborations of qualified, established mentoring program sites to incorporate advocacy or teaching functions into mentors' roles through (1) matching youth and mentors based on needs, skills, experiences, and interests; (2) initial and ongoing training for mentors; and (3) ongoing mentor support.

Two Michigan-based affiliates of the well-respected national Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) network in Detroit and Lansing propose a second-year of funding for a mentoring enhancement project to reach children with juvenile delinquency vulnerability. BBBS of Metropolitan Detroit will serve as the managing fiduciary agency, partnering with BBBS of Michigan Capital Region as a co-applicant. Youth primarily ages 12 to 14 will participate in one-to-one mentoring at three distinct sites: 1) Detroit Public Schools; 2) City of Lansing; and 3) Marcus Garvey Academy. Over the course of multiple years, up to 275 youth will be served in one-to-one mentoring relationships. A singular program design infusing an advocacy approach into the mentor role will be incorporated into enhanced mentee matching, mentor training, and match support activities. At the three sites, funding will be used to achieve project goals of increasing intentionality in matching youth with mentors, providing tools and training for mentors to serve as advocates, and enhancing match support to promote sustainability and quality of relationships. Outcomes will focus on changing problem behavior (intermediately); and preventing arrest and victimization (long-term). Progress will be measured using data collection and outcome evaluation tools by trained staff certified in national best practices; the applicants will collaborate fully with OJJDP evaluation of this demonstration project if funded.

CA/NCF

This demonstration program will support collaborations of qualified, established mentoring program sites to incorporate advocacy or teaching functions into mentors' roles through (1) matching youth and mentors based on needs, skills, experiences, and interests; (2) initial and ongoing training for mentors; and (3) ongoing mentor support.

Two Michigan-based affiliates of the well-respected national Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) network in Detroit and Lansing propose a second-year of funding for a mentoring enhancement project to reach children with juvenile delinquency vulnerability. BBBS of Metropolitan Detroit will serve as the managing fiduciary agency, partnering with BBBS of Michigan Capital Region as a co-applicant. Youth primarily ages 12 to 14 will participate in one-to-one mentoring at three distinct sites: 1) Detroit Public Schools; 2) City of Lansing; and 3) Marcus Garvey Academy. Over the course of multiple years, up to 275 youth will be served in one-to-one mentoring relationships. A singular program design infusing an advocacy approach into the mentor role will be incorporated into enhanced mentee matching, mentor training, and match support activities. At the three sites, funding will be used to achieve project goals of increasing intentionality in matching youth with mentors, providing tools and training for mentors to serve as advocates, and enhancing match support to promote sustainability and quality of relationships. Outcomes will focus on changing problem behavior (intermediately); and preventing arrest and victimization (long-term). Progress will be measured using data collection and outcome evaluation tools by trained staff certified in national best practices and the applicants will collaborate fully with OJJDP evaluation of this demonstration project if funded.

NCA/NCF