YMCA Mentoring Program Reduces Youth Delinquency and Substance Abuse

Reach & Rise, founded in San Francisco 34 years ago, improves school and family connectedness according to new study.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A national youth mentoring program created by the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, called Reach & Rise, has shown significant promise in reducing problem behaviors in youth as well as improving academic performance and school and family connectedness, according to a randomized controlled trial led by researchers at the American Institutes for Research (AIR). The study found that youth participating in Reach & Rise were nearly twice as likely to stay out of trouble, with delinquency rates at 8% versus 15% in the control group, and substance use fell from 43% to 28% for those in the program.

Why it matters

As California continues to invest heavily in youth mental and behavioral health reform while local systems face scrutiny over implementation and access gaps, Reach & Rise offers a community-based, prevention-focused model developed in San Francisco that complements traditional mental health services. The program's success highlights the potential for evidence-based mentoring programs to positively impact youth outcomes.

The details

The randomized controlled trial by AIR evaluated approximately 600 youth, consisting of one group actively involved in Reach & Rise and a second control group of youth on the program's waitlist. Conducted over 15 months and with an 85% response rate, the study found that youth participating in Reach & Rise were nearly twice as likely to stay out of trouble, with delinquency rates at 8% versus 15% in the control group. Substance use fell from 43% to 28% for those in the program. In addition, the Reach & Rise youth reported having a better connection to school, and their caregivers reported improved academic performance.

  • The Reach & Rise program was created in San Francisco in 1992.
  • The randomized controlled trial by AIR was published in February 2026.

The players

YMCA of Greater San Francisco

A community service organization with 15 locations, a residential camp and more than 130 program sites in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties. The Y promotes individual and community wellbeing for people of all ages through wellness programs, youth development and critical social services.

Reach & Rise

A national youth mentoring program created by the YMCA of Greater San Francisco in 1992. The program connects vulnerable youth with caring and trained adult mentor volunteers who guide them towards success and a better future.

Roger Jarjoura

A researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) who led the randomized controlled trial on the Reach & Rise program.

Jamie Bruning-Miles

The CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco.

Shinquell Green

The national director of the Reach & Rise program.

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What they’re saying

“This research affirms what the YMCA of Greater San Francisco has always believed: that community is the foundation of wellbeing. Reach & Rise, which was founded in San Francisco, connects vulnerable youth with caring and trained adult mentor volunteers in our community who guide them towards success and a better future.”

— Jamie Bruning-Miles, CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco

“Therapeutic mentoring is powerful because it combines the healing impact of a trusted relationship with intentional emotional support. The research by AIR matters deeply to those of us doing this work every day, because it reflects the real impact that evidence-based mentoring can have in a young person's life, helping them build confidence, resilience and hope.”

— Shinquell Green, National Director of Reach & Rise

What’s next

The YMCA of Greater San Francisco is actively recruiting volunteer mentors across the Bay Area and nationwide for the Reach & Rise program. No clinical experience is required, as mentors receive full CBT-informed training and ongoing support.

The takeaway

This study demonstrates the powerful impact that evidence-based mentoring programs like Reach & Rise can have in supporting youth development and reducing problem behaviors. As California continues to address gaps in youth mental health services, community-based prevention models like this one offer a promising complement to traditional clinical interventions.