Mentoring is an amazing resource for our youth. I see this with my own boys and the children of my friends. The Improve Group has been educated on mentoring through our client work with the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and in site visits for our evaluation work with the MN Department of Corrections. The need for mentors is great and today’s highlighted program is addressing that need.

This week’s pick: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has grants for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners (MCP) program. “Nearly two million children in the United States experience the detrimental economic, social, and emotional effects of having an incarcerated parent.” The idea is to bring quality, one-on-one relationships to these children and give them a trusted role model.

Applications are accepted by the Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children, Youth and Families', Family and Youth Services Bureau. Average grant amounts are around $200,000.

There is an extensive list of those who can apply, including independent school districts, nonprofits and tribal organizations. For full details on this opportunity, click here. Applications must be submitted by June 19th.