Age range

Website: www.selfenhancement.org

Mission/Goals: SEI is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential. Working with schools, families and community organizations, SEI provides opportunities for personal and academic success, bringing hope to individual young people and enhancing the quality of community life.

Notes: SEI is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a national model for youth violence prevention.
SEI launched Project Youth Connect (PYC), a federal fifteen-site, three year research study to determine the effects of mentoring on substance abuse prevention among 9-15 year olds, in 1999 through the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). PYC ended in 2001, but SEI continues to use a similar mentoring model as
part of their comprehensive service to inner-city children and youth.

Source(s): www.selfenhancement.org

Type of Evaluation: Experimental

Objective: To determine the effect of the Project Youth Connect mentoring program on participants' level of substance use.

Impact/Outcomes: Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use among both cohorts was relatively low and increased slightly over time. Group comparison tests showed that Cohort 1 mentoring group students had either reduced or maintained the same level substance use, while control group participants increased the use of substances. There were no significant differences between groups in changes in use over time. No consistent relationship was found between dosage duration and student outcomes. Analyses of process evaluation data revealed that dosage of one-on-one mentoring time was inadequate, inconsistent, and not enough time was spent directly addressing the key goals of the program. Although the outcomes evaluation did not
conclusively support the effectiveness of Project Youth Connect at SEI, interviews with mentors and students revealed that both recognized positive changes in the
students' lives and attitudes toward alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

Study 2:
Type of Evaluation: Outcomes Monitoring

Summary of Available Evaluation Information: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) created an evaluation format that SEI staff use annually to assess the program's effectiveness. Changes in grades, school attendance and behavioral referrals are monitored based on report cards. Skills, values and attitudes are evaluated through testing, and students are interviewed. In addition, each student has an Individual Success Plan and meets with his or her coordinator each month to review it. Evaluation results are used to improve the quality of service provided and are reported to the Board of Directors. In the 2002-03 school year, SEI program participants in elementary, middle and high school exceeded program goals on eight of nine indicators.