Landmark Study Affirms the Power of Mentoring

A groundbreaking four-year randomized controlled trial by Dr. David DuBois and Dr. Carla Herrera has delivered the strongest evidence to date that high-quality mentoring profoundly improves youth outcomes. Spanning 1,350 youth across 17 mentoring agencies, the study is the largest and longest evaluation ever conducted on community-based mentoring. Results were extraordinary.

The research revealed dramatic reductions in major risk factors:

• Violence-related delinquent behavior: 29.6% of mentored youth vs. 43.0% in the control group
• Recurring substance use: 18.2% vs. 31.4%
• Suicidal ideation: 16.6% vs. 28.4%
• High school dropout: cut in half

Effect sizes were unusually strong, including large effects (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.50) for substance use and school dropout, and medium effects for suicide risk and violence. These gains occurred despite an unexpectedly low “dose” of mentoring, with many matches meeting only once or twice per month.

National evidence mirrors what we see in Moab. At Grand Area Mentoring, our youth demonstrate:

• 80% fewer behavior incidents
• 61% higher grades
• 50% improved attendance
• 100% of parents reporting greater happiness and improved attitude about school

These outcomes arise from the same strengths highlighted in the national study: long-lasting relationships, relationship-oriented support, and a commitment to meeting young people where they are.

“In a world short on belonging, mentoring delivers.” This year’s data in both Moab and across the nation point to the same reality: when youth have a trusted adult who shows up for them consistently, their lives change—not just for a season, but for years to come.