The Butler YMCA is implementing a new youth mentoring program that includes a curriculum and outcomes for children from 8 to 15 years old.

Reach and Rise started as a pilot mentoring program by the YMCA of San Francisco, Calif., in 1992 and the YMCA of the United States has expanded it to 38 states.

The Butler YMCA evaluated the mentoring program it has run through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County for 20 years and Reach and Rise for a year before deciding to transition to the new program, said Sandra Ihlenfeld, Butler YMCA executive director.

The YMCA will continue using the Big Brothers Big Sisters program until the end of the year, while it seeks youth referrals and mentors for Reach and Rise, she said.

“We evaluate programs. It’s important to make sure the programs we offer are the best programs we can offer. We did a yearlong evaluation of youth mentoring programs. We found one that is evidence based — Reach and Rise,” Ihlenfeld said.

Having a curriculum and outcomes that youth must achieve is what led to the selection of Reach and Rise, she said.

“It’s outcome based. Instead of just hanging out with youth, which is important, there is a curriculum,” Ihlenfeld said.

Reach and Rise will offer one-on-one mentoring between a youth and mentor, which is how the Big Brothers Big Sisters program works, and group mentoring in which two mentors meet with six youths “always in public space,” she said.

Volunteer mentors are needed. They must be at least 21 years old, obtain background clearances and receive 15 hours of training. The YMCA is accepting applications.

Ihlenfeld said the Big Brothers Big Sisters program did not have a curriculum and didn’t require training for mentors.

She said the YMCA will try to enlist the 15 youth-mentor matches from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and unmatched youth into Reach and Rise.

The YMCA is accepting youth referrals from the Butler School District, Mars Home for Youth and the court system.

“Our goal is to serve 25 kids this year and double that next year,” Ihlenfeld said. More than 30 referrals have already been received, she added.

Reach and Rise is free for youth and is funded through the YMCA’s annual support campaign.

The YMCA of the United States will fund the program if youth in the Butler YMCA Reach and Rise achieve program outcomes, she said.

The outcomes include increased productive use of after school hours; involvement in two or more community activities; improved ability to relate to guardians, peers and authority; improved school performance; and decrease in substance abuse.

Big Brothers Big Sisters officials could not be reached for comment.