Youth Mentoring Program Grant Update
Partners and friends:
As you may know, Congress has approved two appropriations packages to finalize funding for federal fiscal year 2020 (FY20), currently awaiting the President’s signature. Included in one of the packages is continued funding for a priority many of us share: the Youth Mentoring Program grant housed in the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) at the Department of Justice. As the only dedicated mentoring line item in the entire federal budget, it’s critical that we protect and grow this funding.
We are pleased to share that due to our collective support and action, Congress has provided a small increase to the grant in FY20, calling for a total investment of $97 million. Additionally, language provides guidance that a portion of funding be directed to rural communities, communities where the opioid crisis has been most widespread, and ensures funding access for local organizations who are not affiliated with national organizations. And finally, there is continued guidance around the need for implementation of the Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA) signed into law in 2018 after a decade-long advocacy effort by all of us.
I believe it’s important for us to pause and celebrate this achievement. Together, we continue to make the case to Congress (and elected leaders across the country), that quality, evidence-based mentoring is a worthy public investment that is supporting young people so that they can thrive. And also to remind them that 80% of their constituents across the political and geographic spectrum believe in public investment in quality mentoring for our young people. Many of you joined MENTOR in sending letters to Congress, sending emails and social media messages in response to calls to action, and joined us as we met with Members of Congress during Capitol Hill Day and/or did so in your respective districts. Thank you.
At a time when things seem more divided than ever, our community of mentoring advocates work together with and on behalf of young people and our strength when connected and supported. Today’s small success can only multiply if we continue to coordinate, collaborate, and fight the good fight for the central role of mentoring as an effective tool asset-based prevention, intervention, and advancement.
In solidarity and gratitude,
David Shapiro
CEO