Since 2011 the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program has been actively engaged in the National 4-H Mentoring Project. Each year, an average 60 mentees are paired with mentors and work together for a minimum of 36 hours over a nine-month period. During the mentoring process, mentors and mentees develop a safe, caring relationship. We have had 660 youth participate in the mentoring project. Over $520,000 in grant funds have been awarded to counties in support of the mentoring program from the National 4-H Council (OJJDP). Since its beginning, we have had mentees who have graduated from the program who have returned to "give back what I got from the program [sic]." 

Comments from participants: 

"The mentoring program has allowed me to offer a program that is different from any other 4-H programs." 

"I love the Lego Team! We (mentor and small group of mentees) have been able to compete and win at the regional FLL contest." 

"I have learned as much from the mentees as I have passed on to them."