Results found that the HOPE CDC program did not pair well with more established, successful programs. Many of the elements found to be empirically associated with the most successful programs were only minimally present in the HOPE CDC program. Some of the program’s limitations appear to stem from the model chosen to serve as the foundation for the program and its application. Although the HOPE CDC program did not fully possess many of the elements found to be associated with successful mentoring programs, it is important to note, however, that this may be largely due to the newness of the program. It is not entirely uncommon for prevention and intervention programs to experience difficulties when first initiated. While HOPE CDC has routinely worked with schools in the past, the 2007-2008 school year was the first year it had taken the form of a youth “mentoring” program. As a result, the program encountered significant difficulties in implementation, particularly at the beginning of the school year. Tables, figures, notes, and references