Building Youth Mentorship Capacity in Utah
GrantID: 8313
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Youth Mentorship and Engagement Program in Utah
Utah is known for its youthful population and family-oriented culture, yet a significant portion of its youthparticularly those in at-risk situationsstruggle with various social and economic challenges. Recent data indicates that around 15% of Utah's youth are considered at-risk due to factors including low socioeconomic status, familial instability, and educational shortcomings. These challenges highlight a critical barrier in providing necessary support to these vulnerable populations.
At-risk youth in Utah, particularly in urban settings such as Salt Lake City and more rural areas, often lack access to positive mentorship and role models. Current mentorship programs are often inconsistent and do not adequately reach these youths, leaving them vulnerable to dropping out of school and facing future socio-economic hardships. The need for structured engagement programs is crucial for fostering personal development and improving educational outcomes in this demographic.
To address these issues, the state will fund a comprehensive Youth Mentorship and Engagement Program aimed specifically at at-risk youth. The program will utilize a structured matching process to pair young individuals with trained mentors, ensuring that these relationships are meaningful and impactful. Mentors will provide guidance, support, and encouragement, focusing on helping youth improve their academic performance and build essential life skills.
Funding will be allocated to recruit, train, and support mentors, with mechanisms in place for ongoing assessment of both mentor and mentee experiences. The program will also actively track outcomes such as improvements in grades, attendance rates, and overall well-being of the youth participants. By placing emphasis on personal growth and the development of life skills, Utah aims to create a supportive environment that propels vulnerable youth towards successful futures.
This initiative's specificity to Utah is crucial, given the state’s distinctive socio-cultural environment. Unlike programs in neighboring states like Colorado, where mentorship models may be broader in focus, Utah's program zeroes in on at-risk youth and their distinct needs, ensuring that support is effective and appropriately tailored.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
