Conclusion

Mentoring shows great promise as an effective intervention for at-risk youth. Through JUMP, OJJDP not only has helped communities to establish mentoring projects that serve youth directly but also has supported research to enhance understanding of the dynamics of mentoring relationships. Knowledge obtained from the JUMP national evaluation will help future mentoring projects provide effective, pragmatic services to the Nation’s youth. As the body of knowledge grows, so does the enthusiasm for mentoring as a way of making a positive and lasting impact on America’s youth.