Michigan State University Extension Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Corps
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Mission Statement

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities.

Michigan State University Extension believes that children, youth, and families interact in intricate patterns and face equally intricate challenges. People are deeply affected by their environment, significant others, and their communities. Because of this interconnectedness, MSU Extension’s Children, Youth, and Family Programs work to help people manage and improve the quality of their lives and their communities.  Youth Development and 4-H Programs provide fun, educational opportunities and resources to develop youth and the volunteers and professionals who work with them.

 

Utilizing the 4-H program model of volunteers working with youth in ongoing relationships and the “Elements of Effective Practice” developed by the National Mentoring Partnership (2003) as a guide, the Wayne County Department of Children and Family Services and Michigan State University Extension have established a youth mentoring program to serve approximately 100 at-risk youth in the Greater Detroit Area. 

 

The Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Program began in April of 2006.  The 4-H Mentoring Program is designed to provide 1-to-1 mentors for at-risk youth.  The target audience is youth ages 10-17 who are at risk of dropping out of school, low academic performance and delinquency.  Mentors and mentees agree to participate in the program for at least one year to encourage effective and meaningful program experiences.  Mentor matches meet twice a week for two hours at a time.  Through case management and mentoring, program participants are connected with community resources and activities including but not limited to:  academic enrichment, tutoring, counseling, workforce development skills, career fairs, vocational training, outdoor education explorations, the arts and volunteerism.  The Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Program offers participants quarterly trainings and workshops, which address pertinent topics including substance abuse, conflict resolution, team building skills, ages and stages of youth development, resume preparation, improving family and peer relationships, etc.  The mentoring program also offers monthly activities for its’ participants.  These activities include things such as, trips to museums, a health bazaar, educational camps, volunteerism and recreational activities.  The mentoring program takes place in the community, during non-traditional hours that include evenings, weekends and school vacations. 

 

The Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Program addresses three primary outcome goals.

1.                        Reduce the drop-out rate of targeted youth participants

2.                        Reduce the delinquency rate of targeted youth participants

3.                        Improve the academic performance of targeted youth participants           

 

As a result of this program it is hoped that:

·  80% of the 100 youth will develop a caring relationship with their mentor through program activities. 

·  80% of the mentor/mentee relationships will continue after the end of one year.

·  40% of the participating youth will improve their academic performance at least one grade level in targeted subject areas.

·  40% of participating youth will demonstrate a reduction in school truancy and in-school delinquency.

·  50% of the participating youth will acquire or improve competencies in communication, group process, relationship building, workforce preparation skills, and leadership.

 

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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.