Bridging the Divide: A Pioneering Culturally-Specific Mentoring Intervention to Increase Support for At-Risk Youth
Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, HOUSTON · Jun 25, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of July 07, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying a special mentoring program designed to support young people who may be facing challenges with their emotions, social skills, and overall well-being. The program is tailored to reflect the cultural backgrounds of the participants, aiming to help them build stronger social connections, improve their mental health, and do better in school. Researchers also want to hear from everyone involved—youth, caregivers, and community members—to make the program even better.
Young people who might join this study are those who are part of community groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs, identify as part of a racial or ethnic minority (such as Black or Hispanic), and can speak English along with their caregivers who agree to participate. The study does not include youth who are already in other mentoring programs or those with severe cognitive disabilities that would make it hard to take part. Participants will be involved in mentoring activities and group discussions, and their progress in social skills, behavior, and school will be observed. This study is not yet recruiting, but it hopes to offer a supportive space that respects cultural identity while helping at-risk youth thrive.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • actively enrolled in the partnering community organization (e.g., Boys and Girls Clubs)
- • Participants and their caregivers must be able to provide informed assent/consent in English. Parental Consent: Participants must have parental or guardian consent to participate in the study.
- • Self-identifies as a racial-ethnic minority (i.e., Black/African American, Hispanic, etc.)
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Current participation in another mentoring program: To avoid confounding the results, youth currently involved in other mentoring or structured socio-emotional support programs will be excluded.
- • Severe cognitive or developmental disabilities: The study will exclude participants with mental impairments that prevent meaningful engagement in focus groups or intervention activities.
About The University Of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is a leading academic institution dedicated to advancing health through education, research, and clinical practice. As a prominent sponsor of clinical trials, UTHealth leverages its extensive resources and expertise in biomedical research to facilitate innovative studies aimed at improving patient outcomes. The institution is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes scientific discovery and the translation of research findings into effective healthcare solutions, all while adhering to the highest ethical standards and regulatory guidelines. With a multidisciplinary approach, UTHealth plays a critical role in addressing complex health challenges and enhancing the quality of life in diverse communities.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Houston, Texas, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Jarrad Hodge, PhD
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported