Congressman Announces $750K for Mentoring Program

Federal funding will support United Mentoring Program in Lansing

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:04am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary student sitting alone on a bench in a dimly lit school hallway, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually illustrating the need for mentorship and support.Federal funding will expand a local mentorship program's ability to guide underserved students in Lansing.Lansing Today

Congressman Tom Barrett visited Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan on April 9, 2026 to announce a $750,000 federal investment in the United Mentoring Program, a local initiative that pairs students with adult mentors.

Why it matters

The United Mentoring Program aims to provide academic and social-emotional support to underserved students in the Lansing area, helping them stay engaged in school and develop critical life skills. This federal funding will allow the program to expand its reach and impact within the community.

The details

The $750,000 federal grant will go towards supporting the United Mentoring Program, which matches adult volunteers with students at Sexton High School and other local schools. The program provides tutoring, college and career guidance, and social-emotional learning to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

  • Congressman Tom Barrett visited Sexton High School on April 9, 2026 to announce the federal investment.

The players

Congressman Tom Barrett

A U.S. Representative who represents Michigan's 8th congressional district and secured the federal funding for the United Mentoring Program.

United Mentoring Program

A local initiative in Lansing, Michigan that pairs adult volunteers with students to provide academic, social, and emotional support.

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What they’re saying

“This federal investment will make a real difference in the lives of young people in our community, helping them stay on track and reach their full potential.”

— Congressman Tom Barrett

What’s next

The United Mentoring Program plans to use the federal funding to recruit and train additional volunteer mentors, expand programming to more schools in the Lansing area, and track long-term outcomes for participating students.

The takeaway

This federal grant demonstrates the importance of community-based mentorship programs in supporting underserved youth and providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. The United Mentoring Program's model of pairing students with caring adult role models has proven effective, and this new funding will allow the initiative to deepen its impact across Lansing.