The Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program pairs youth ages 8-17 with positive adult role models in an effort to reduce the frequency and severity of delinquent behavior. The success of the program is in large part due to the strong partnership between Michigan State University Extension and the 20th Circuit Court Family Division Juvenile Services. Participation in the program by the youth is voluntary, and referrals from probation officers or counselors for youth wanting mentors are never in short supply. The mentors go through a lengthy screening and training process before being matched with a youth. After being matched the mentor and youth spend at least two hours together each week for a year. It is not uncommon for matches to stay together for several years and spend four or more hours together each week.  The Journey 4-H program continues to serve as a model of mentoring success and has received local, state and national recognition.

Potential mentors complete a detailed screening process.  Which Includes:

•  Completing an application
•  Criminal history, protective services and driving record check
•  Completing an interview with a Case Manager
•  Three references

Susan Fenton Program Instructor The Outdoor Challenge Muskegon County Mentoring Collaborative Co-chair Phone: (231) 724-6641 Email: fentons@msu.edu	Barb Brow Program Instructor 4-H Tech Wizards Phone: (616) 994-4580 Email:  browb@msu.edu
	Harold McDermed Program Instructor The Outdoor Challange Phone: (616) 994-4580 Email: mcderme1@msu.edu

4-H Tech Wizards is a site based program providing small group mentoring to court involved, academically at-risk and/or gang at-risk youth. Youth are matched with caring adults who engage in positive mentoring relationships while sharing their job skills and expertise in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each group engages in community service as they explore and identify a community need where they can apply problem solving skills and explore technology to raise awareness and offer positive solutions to that need.

The Outdoor Challenge allows matches to develop new skills and have their relationship grow while participating in exciting outdoor activities such as kayaking, orienteering, rock climbing, fishing, and many more. We provide a fun, adventurous setting where the mentor and mentee can experience the outdoors together.