Prevention

Strength Mentorship places trained, motivated college students directly into K–12 classrooms. They support students with academics, emotional regulation, and positive relationship‑building. Their presence helps create calmer classrooms, stronger connections, and more confident learners. 

Many students face stress, trauma, or academic gaps that make learning harder. Teachers are stretched thin, and families are navigating complex challenges. Students benefit when another caring adult is present to listen, guide, and encourage them throughout the school day. 

Mentors and tutors provide one‑on‑one attention that helps students stay focused, complete assignments, and build confidence. They model communication, problem‑solving, and healthy peer interactions. Their support strengthens both academic and social‑emotional growth. 

Classrooms with mentors experience fewer disruptions, smoother transitions, and more engaged learners. Teachers gain an extra set of hands, allowing them to focus on instruction while mentors support small groups, individual students, and classroom routines. 

Montgomery County continues to face high overdose activity and youth substance‑use risks. Prevention programs exist, but students need daily support inside the classroom. Mentors help build the protective factors—connection, confidence, coping skills—that reduce future substance‑use risk. 

The county’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board funds multiple youth‑focused prevention efforts, including:

• Camp Mariposa — a research‑based program for youth ages 9–17 who have been impacted by a family member’s substance use. It builds resilience, teaches coping skills, and provides ongoing mentoring through weekend camps.

• Prime for Life — an evidence‑based program that helps youth understand risk and make safer choices around alcohol and drugs.

• Risky Business — a six‑session program addressing risky behaviors including substance use, violence, gambling, and decision‑making, offered through Juvenile Court and Children Services.

UMADAOP runs several prevention and empowerment programs for youth ages 10–17, including:

• Ohio Violence Prevention Program (OVPP) — teaches conflict resolution and reduces risk factors linked to violence and substance use.

• Aiming High — provides mentoring, ATOD (alcohol, tobacco, other drugs) education, and decision‑making skills to reduce substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and dropout risk.

These programs combine prevention education with mentoring and cultural enrichment.

Strength Mentorship works alongside county prevention efforts by reinforcing healthy decision‑making, emotional regulation, and positive behavior every day. Mentors help students practice the skills taught in community programs, making prevention more consistent and effective. 

Schools partner with GPHCC because the program is reliable, healing‑centered, and aligned with community needs. Mentors bring fresh energy, cultural insight, and a commitment to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

When students feel supported, they show up more, try harder, and believe in themselves. Mentors help build the foundation for long‑term success—academically, emotionally, and socially—creating stronger classrooms and stronger communities.