A Year of Growth: Expanding Opportunities for Youth

The 2025–2026 school year has been a period of strong growth for Grand Area Mentoring.

Following the natural closure of many matches last year, the program set a goal of creating 20 new matches. To date, 24 new matches have been established—the highest number in a single school year in program history.

Each match represents a meaningful connection: a young person paired with a consistent, supportive adult.

This progress reflects a broad and coordinated recruitment effort. Outreach included expanded newspaper advertising, feature stories, community booths at local events and businesses, and direct invitations encouraging current volunteers to recruit friends.

Several experienced mentors returned to the program, while new volunteers connected through online outreach and word-of-mouth referrals.

These combined efforts have strengthened both the size and quality of the program.

Mentored students continue to demonstrate strong outcomes, including improved attendance, higher grades, fewer …behavioral issues, and increased overall wellbeing.

Despite this progress, the need for mentors remains. A number of students are still on the waiting list, hoping to be matched.

Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, recruitment efforts will continue.

The next New Mentor Orientation will be held on September 29th from 5:15–7:00 PM. RSVP is appreciated.

Those interested in registering or learning more are encouraged to contact:

grandareamentoring@gmail.com
(435) 260-9646

One consistent hour each week can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

Look for our June update, where we’ll share early results from this school year and the impact of your support!