OCCY Launches Mentor Training Through Mentoring Central
By the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY), in partnership with the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA), has launched a new program to provide specialized training for mentors working with justice-involved youth.
The initiative incorporates Mentoring Central’s evidence-based training programs into mentoring efforts within OJA and youth-serving agencies. The project aims to prepare mentors to support mentees in building resilience, setting goals, and fostering hope—key elements for helping youth involved in the juvenile justice system achieve positive outcomes.
“Our goal is to give every mentor the tools they need to feel confident and capable in their role,” said Caitlin Merritt, community planner for OCCY’s Office of Planning and Coordination. “With continued training and support, we aim to strengthen Oklahoma’s mentoring programs and improve outcomes for our youth.”
Mentoring Central, a division of iRT, is known for its web-based and instructor-led training modules designed to strengthen mentor-mentee relationships. The new program also evaluates how these resources enhance mentors’ readiness and ability to support youth.
“iRT is excited to share the Mentoring Central training and evaluation resources with OJA and OCCY to foster effective mentor relationships across Oklahoma,” said Rebecca Stelter, Ph.D., research scientist at iRT Mentoring Central. “This evidence-based, high-quality training will support mentors, mentees, and staff, with easy integration into existing program practices.”
The initiative aligns with the Science of Hope framework, which focuses on nurturing hope and resilience in youth. Mentors have praised the training, noting how the content aligns with their goals of empowering mentees to overcome challenges and achieve success.
“The alignment between Mentoring Central’s approach and our commitment to the Science of Hope is particularly meaningful,” said Constanzia Nizza, chief of operational excellence at OJA. “The positive feedback from mentors and program staff highlights the value of this partnership, and we look forward to its long-term impact on Oklahoma’s youth and mentoring programs.”
To learn more about Mentoring Central’s programs, visit mentoringcentral.net/mentoring-training.
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Media Contact:
Robert Agnew
Public Information Officer
Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
405-606-4923 | robert.agnew@occy.ok.gov