Strategies

Match disadvantaged or at-risk youth with volunteer mentors in school or community settings

Establish an ongoing relationship between an older youth or young adult and a younger child or adolescent, usually an elementary or middle school student

Support organized social, art, or physical activities for school-aged youth outside of the school time

Establish a relationship between an older adult and a child, adolescent, or college student through social interactions or a variety of educational and art activities

Pair youth at risk for delinquent behavior with mentors to develop relationships and spend time at regular meetings for an extended period; mentors have greater knowledge, skills, etc. than mentees

Support outdoor pursuits and adventure-based activities that emphasize inter- and intra-personal growth through overcoming obstacles (e.g., challenge courses, wilderness excursions, etc.)

Provide youth with leadership building opportunities, often through social activities such as advocacy groups, peer education, youth-led participatory research, and local government youth advisory councils and boards