Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The WVU MARRY program aims to recruit and train mentors at local and regional levels, involving the WVU Teen Council, local high schools, and WVU Collegiate 4-H members to work with Lewis County, WV rural youth ages 10-14 in a mentoring arrangement. Mentor applicants undergo self-guided training on youth protection, followed by intentional screening to assess their commitment and qualities related to mentorship.. Selected mentors participate in five in-depth, in-person training sessions led by WVU Extension faculty, utilizing resources from the OJJDP and the National Mentoring Resource Center to ensure program fidelity and youth protection.Mentor support and retention are achieved through regular supervision by WVU MARRY staff, continuous professional development, and online monthly reporting to monitor mentoring relationships. Engaging training methods, such as weekend volunteer events and in-service training, enhance mentor experience and effectiveness. Additionally, a two-hour training session addresses challenges in mentor-mentee relationships, equipping mentors to handle various situations, including mandatory reporting.Mentee recruitment focuses on community collaboration and transparent program explanation to ensure rural families understand the commitment required. Youth are selected based on their circumstances, including rurality and family poverty, with referrals encouraged from Advisory Committee, school principals and teachers. Prior to official matching, kick-off events facilitate mentor-mentee interactions, ensuring a natural fit..TheOJJDP Mentoring Model for Youth,Discover the Possibilities: C Your Future (NMRC)will be utilized for the program. The youth and mentors will be engaged with 25 youth in group mentoring 4-H club arrangement for each of the three year programs.
Animal Health Component
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Research Effort Categories
Basic
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Applied
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Developmental
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Goals / Objectives
The WVU MARRY Program includes the following goals:Improve Academic Performance: Provide academic support, such as homework help, tutoring, and encouragement to achieve educational goals. Help mentees develop study habits, time management, and organizational skills.Reduce Risky Behaviors: Educate mentees on the consequences of risky behaviors, including substance abuse, delinquency, and truancy. Promote healthy decision-making and coping strategies for peer pressure and stress.Enhance Social Skills and Emotional Well-being: Teach communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills. Encourage self-esteem, resilience, and positive self-identity.Foster Positive Peer and Adult Relationships: Facilitate opportunities for mentees to build supportive relationships with peers and adults. Model positive social interactions and provide guidance on managing interpersonal challenges.Promote Civic Engagement and Leadership: Encourage involvement in community service and leadership activities. Teach the importance of civic responsibility and engagement in local communities.Career Exploration and Goal Setting: Assist mentees in exploring career interests and setting achievable goals. Provide guidance on educational pathways and job readiness skills.?
Project Methods
The WVU MARRY project will implement the following methods:Train and match 75 mentor/mentee pairs in the WVU MARRY programEffectively 75 mentor/mentee pairs in the WVU MARRY program mentoring sessionsEstablish and facilitate a community advisory committee to guide the development and sustainability of the projectEngage 75 youth in rural communities in 4-H programming through clubs and/or campingHost family education events to connect families to mentors, program staff, school personnel, and community resourcesThe following tracking of youth, family involvement and volunteer mentors will proivde an accurate indication of the program implementation.Number of mentors successfully vetted through WVU child protection systemProgram tracking formsNumber of mentors successfully completing ongoing training for youth mentorshipAttendance sheetsNumber of mentees (youth) completing pre-mentorship trainingAttendance sheetsNumber of youth enrolled in 4-HZ-suitesNumber of youth engaged in club and/or camping activitiesAttendance sheetsNumber of mentoring sessions engaging both youth mentees and adults mentorsMonthly mentor report Participation in family education eventsAttendance sheets