DIVAS Mentoring Program follow-up study

Mentoring as an intervention technique to address the needs of at risk youth is rapidly increasing nationwide (DuBois & Neville, 1997; Keating, Tomishima, Foster & Alessandri, 2002). Even against insurmountable obstacles, many youth succeed. Studies show that these youth have one factor in common; they have a supportive and healthy relationship with at least one caring and positive adult in their lives (DuBois & Neville; Keating et al.; Freedman; Zimmerman & Bingengeimer). It is based on these findings that researchers believe that at risk youth would benefit from a positive mentoring relationship (DuBois, Holloway, Valentine, & Cooper, 2002; DuBois & Neville; Keating et al.; Freedman; Zimmerman & Bingengeimer). ^ This longitudinal qualitative study investigated the impact that participation in the Divas Mentoring Program had on program participants four years after program participation. Program participants participated in the program during their 7th and 8th grade years at an inner-city middle school. The program targeted At risk African American females. Each participant was matched with an African American female mentor. Weekly and monthly group activities were planned and executed in addition to the ongoing one-on-one mentoring relationships. This study highlights the lasting impact that the mentoring intervention had on the lives of program participants and reinforces the belief that mentoring can be a beneficial intervention for at risk youth.