Aspire Mentoring Program

The City of Longview, Texas, proposes to implement the Aspire Mentoring program.  The purpose is to provide youth mentoring for students in Kindergarten to 12th grade and recruit more adult volunteers to mentor youth through the Aspire Mentoring Program in Longview and Gregg County.  Youth mentoring can deter delinquent behavior, improve educational outcomes, and improve social skills. Project activities include training and screening adult mentors to children/youth to serve as positive role models to deter youth from harmful activities. The Coalition for Drug-Free Youth will educate citizens on the importance of safely disposing of used syringes and unused medication, especially opioids, in Prescription Drug Drop Boxes, leading to reduced accessibility of medicines potentially preventing overdoses.