Mentors, Mentees and Families: Growing Up Together

Published: 2019
By Brenda Richey

Native American students make up the largest minority group in Montana—about 11 percent. Native students have the lowest high school graduation rate. Two major factors in this are lacking social and emotional skills as they navigate the world of academia. Flathead Reservation Extension 4-H began a mentoring program in 2012. The National 4-H Center and the U.S. Department of Justice provide funding for 4-H National Mentoring Programs. The mission of the program is to increase the developmental assets of youth, ages 5-17 and their families. This is accomplished through hands-on activities that support social/emotional skill building, directly resulting in academic competencies. During the past year, 30 mentees were matched and participated in the year-long mentoring program. Mentees are in grades K-7 and are recommended to the mentoring program by a school counselor. Mentors are local high school students or community adult volunteers. All mentors go through a stringent application process before being matched. Matches may be one-to-one or in groups of one-to-four depending on the needs of youth involved. Mentors attend monthly trainings that help to support and build their skills in appropriate relationship building. Mentors meet weekly with their mentees for fun, skill-building activities. A monthly 4-H club meeting is held in conjunction with a Family Night Out event. The program starts with mentees during after school hours, where they engage in 4-H activities. When families arrive, everyone enjoys a complementary supper. Families can participate in family strengthening activities during this time. Activity areas of focus include building trust, family support, kindness/community service, building positive family communication, working together/problem solving and strengthening family traditions.