In-School Mentoring

Young Women United and Young Men United Mentoring Program

United Way of South Central Indiana’s Young Women United and Young Men United mentoring program provides weekly, school-based mentorship for middle and high school students in Lawrence County. The program pairs students—identified by school counselors—with caring adult mentors.

Each mentoring session focuses on building self-worth, recognizing healthy relationships, improving communication, and setting goals for the future. Mentors are trained in trauma-informed care and the U.S. Department of Education’s mentoring curriculum. 

Activities include discussions, field trips to cultural and educational institutions like IU and Ivy Tech, and dining experiences that expose students to life outside their daily environment.

The program emphasizes early intervention and education around domestic violence and unhealthy behavior patterns—empowering young people to recognize warning signs and choose positive paths.

Success is measured through pre- and post-program surveys, as well as monitoring student attendance, behavior, and academic performance. The program also includes a family engagement component and case management as needed.

The program launched in Mitchell Middle School in 2021. It has since expanded into Bedford Middle School and Mitchell High School, serving 98 students in the 2024/2025 school year with the help of 16 volunteer mentors. Bedford North Lawrence High School will welcome the program in the 2025/26 school year.

This mentoring initiative aligns with United Way of South Central Indiana’s broader mission to disrupt cycles of poverty, promote safe and stable families, and support youth success. By investing in the personal growth of at-risk students and strengthening school-community-family partnerships, the program reflects United Way’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected region where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Partner Schools (2024–2025):

  • Bedford Middle School
  • Mitchell Middle School 
  • Mitchell High School
  • Bedford North Lawrence High School (launching Fall of 2025)

Community Partners:

  • Families Forever, Inc.
  • Mitchell Community Schools
  • North Lawrence Community Schools
     
  • Becky's Place
  • Hoosier Hills PACT
  • Hoosier Uplands
  • IU School of Social Work
  • Lawrence County Domestic Violence Court 
  • Lawrence County Law Enforcement and City Leadership
  • Lawrence County Probation & Prosecutor’s Office
  • Middle Way House
  • Purdue Extension

Funding Partners:

  • Lawrence County Local Coordinating Council
  • Purdue Extension
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