The NDSU Extension Service's Center for 4-H Youth Development has been awarded a $164,000 grant from the National 4-H Council for the 4-H National Youth Mentoring Program.
This is the fourth grant the center has received to implement the 4-H Mentoring: Youth and Families With Promise (4-H YFP) program on the Standing Rock reservation. The reservation encompasses Sioux County in south-central North Dakota and extends into South Dakota.
The program is a prevention-based effort designed to strengthen the academic and social skills of at-risk youth. Native American elders serve as mentors and provide educational programming for youth age 5 to 18 with support from an Extension agent and the NDSU Extension Service.
The program helps youth develop a sense of belonging through a positive relationship with a caring adult, and gives them an opportunity to master skills they need to make career and life choices and have experiences that build confidence and the ability to think independently.
As of fall 2014, a total of 44 mentor volunteers have worked with 187 tribal youth. Programs the youth have participated in include educational video making, business development, entrepreneurship, 3-D printing, beadwork, leather craft, outdoor skills, service learning and literacy activities. Older youth started Sioux Image, a screen-printing and embroidery business.
Schools where mentored youth attend report a 20 percent increase in attendance, and the number of youth passing their classes has more than doubled. School officials credit the 4-H mentoring program for these increases in participation and attendance. The program also has helped address school truancy and dropout issues.
Rachelle Vettern, NDSU Extension Service leadership/volunteer development specialist and associate professor in the College of Human Development and Education, is providing leadership for the project. Sue Isbell, Extension agent in Sioux County, and several project assistants, provide local support.
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