Boys & Girls Clubs National Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative, Category 1 (National Mentoring Program) provides funding to support national mentoring organizations in their efforts to strengthen and/or expand their existing mentoring activities within local chapters or sub-awardees (in at least 45 states) to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problem and high-risk behaviors. FY 2016 funding will address the factors that can lead to or serve as a catalyst for delinquency or other problem behaviors in underserved youth, including youth in high-risk environments. Programs are required to target American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, and are also highly encouraged to target their mentoring services to children of parents on active military duty; children of incarcerated parents; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth; youth with disabilities; and youth in rural communities.

Utilizing FY 2016 funding, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) will address risk factors which include poverty, low-performing schools, community violence, gang activity, and incarcerated parents. These risks disproportionately impact racial/ethnic minority youth. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth experience especially high levels of risk factors and military-connected youth face risk factors related to parental deployment. The target population is youth experiencing risk factors in Club communities in 50 states. Project goals are to promote positive outcomes and reduce risk factors for four target groups: youth at risk (at-risk and high-risk youth); AI/AN youth; military youth; and youth identified as at high risk for participation in gangs/delinquency. Project objectives include providing youth with a mentor and engaging them in two prevention programs tailored to the specific risks they face. Services to AI/AN youth utilize culturally appropriate programming and foster intergenerational support. The Mentoring Boys and Girls Club (MBGC) approach unites the powerful mentoring elements present in BGCA youth development with formal mentoring practices and research/evidence-based prevention programs. Mentoring is site-based and provided by Club staff, volunteers, and peers, with ongoing efforts to recruit minority male mentors. The outcomes include increases in social competence, school attendance, GPA, and positive family relationships; decreases in anti-social behavior and substance abuse; and increased resistance to involvement in gangs and delinquency. Progress is measured using tracking reports, staff observations, and pre/post surveys. Major deliverables include five enhancements to program and family engagement practices. MBGC provides a combination of one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring to youth ages 6-17. BGCA will sub-award 90% of awarded funds to Club affiliates in all 50 states. CA/NCF