The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)’s Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP) is designed to reduce delinquency and improve school attendance for at-risk youth. In addition, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BB/BS) of America, founded in 1904, continues to operate today as the largest mentoring organization of its kind, reaching out to children in need of socialization, firm guidance, and connection with positive adult role models. Public/Private Ventures’ 18-month evaluation of eight BB/BS mentoring programs and OJJDP’s 2 year experience with JUMP suggest that strengthening the role of mentoring as a component of youth programming may pay handsome dividends in improved school performance and reduced antisocial behavior, including alcohol and other drug abuse. The BB/BS results suggest the need for a more positive approach that meets the needs of youth, especially those living in high-risk neighborhoods, for nurturing and supportive adults, positive things to do after school and on weekends, and volunteer and work opportunities that develop skills, foster learning, and instill a sense of civic responsibility. Table, note, bibliography, resources