| Summary: | This study was an evaluation of Utah's 4-H Mentoring/Youth and Families with Promise (YFP) program, a statewide 4-H mentoring program designed for at-risk youths. Both the degree to which the YFP program was implemented and operated as planned and the long term outcome of program participation and sustainability of program effects were assessed. The process evaluation addressed (1) characteristics of the population served (risk factors, protective factors, socio-demographic characteristics); (2) type and dosage of program activities; (3) mentor-mentee relationships; (4) satisfaction with the program; (5) involvement of youths' family members in the program; (6) characteristics of mentors (e.g., type of mentor, sex, race); and (7) issues related to the youths' length of stay. The outcome evaluation consisted of an experimental group of at-risk youth 10-14 years old who were paired with a mentor, participated in 4-H activities, and also attended Family Night Out (FNO) activities to strengthen family bonds. A comparison group was constructed of students of the same age attending the same schools but who did not participate in the YFP program. The outcome evaluation measured whether the YFP program increased youths' interpersonal competence, improved youths' academic performance, strengthened youths' family relationships, and prevented delinquency. Outcome indicators were measured at the start of, during, and up to three years after program involvement. In addition to self-reporting pre/post tests, official school and court records were recorded. Additionally, youths' perceptions of mentor relationship quality were measured with the Youth-Mentor Relationship Questionnaire.
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