What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how mentoring combined with 4-H activities can effectively support at-risk youth.

May 28, 2026

Mentoring: A Promising Approach for Involving At-Risk Youth in 4-H

Key Points

This research aims to explore how mentoring combined with 4-H activities can effectively support at-risk youth.
Participants were surveyed using a post-then-pre design.
Utah's Youth and Families with Promise program implemented structured 4-H activities alongside mentoring.
Changes in academic and social outcomes were measured through mean scores.
Significant improvements in academic achievement and social competence were observed.
Increased family bonds and community attachment were reported among youth.
Parents indicated higher levels of parental efficacy post-intervention.

Abstract

An effective way to reach at-risk youth is by establishing a positive adult/youth relationship through mentoring. Utah's Youth and Families with Promise (YFP) program combines mentoring with the benefits of structured 4-H. Participants were surveyed using a post-then-pre design. The differences in mean scores indicated statistically significant improvements in academic achievement, social competence, and family bonds. Youth reported increased levels of community attachment, and parents reported increased levels of parental efficacy. Extension professionals can use mentoring, in combination with 4-H, to reach and better serve at-risk audiences by introducing them to the benefits of 4-H as part of their mentoring experience.

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