#Mentoring

A Chicago program blends cognitive behavioral therapy with intensive mentoring to prevent youth violence. Early results show fewer arrests and stronger life skills for at-risk teens. The Choose to Change model began on the West Side and demonstrates how combined therapy and mentoring can address root causes of violence. Thai educators and policymakers are watching for ideas to support communities facing rising youth trauma and crime.

The urgency in Chicago is clear. Urban streets contend with overdose deaths, gun violence, and poverty that shape daily life. In 2024, a local teen known as T-Man described a day he called “nearly perfect” before his cousin died from an accidental overdose. The incident underscores how trauma drives risky behavior. Persistent trauma can fuel cycles of depression, self-harm, and violence, especially for youths who miss school or fall through service gaps. Research suggests these patterns are hard to disrupt without targeted support.

Chicago’s rapidly evolving approach to youth violence prevention—combining cognitive behavioral therapy with intensive mentoring—has shown remarkable success in reducing arrests and reshaping young lives, according to recent findings that are capturing international attention. A pioneering programme called “Choose to Change,” developed on the city’s West Side, not only addresses some of the root causes of violence among at-risk youth, but offers hints at how similar blended approaches could one day help address chronic social issues in Thai communities facing rising rates of youth crime and trauma.

Before dawn settles over Amherst Regional Middle School, the gym is already pulsing with basketballs and upbeat music. Students gather for “Morning Movement and Mentoring,” a pioneering program that pairs early exercise with academic support and mentoring. What began as a simple way to entice teens to class has evolved into a comprehensive, youth-centered model that improves attendance, engagement, and overall development.

This approach resonates beyond Amherst, offering lessons for Thai educators and policymakers. As Thailand faces absenteeism, disengagement, and motivation gaps, the Amherst model demonstrates how physical activity, mentorship, and targeted academic help can be woven into the school day. Emerging research supports the link between exercise, mental alertness, mood, and learning, and Amherst’s experience shows how community partnerships and a student-centered approach can make a difference at the local level.

Before the sun rises over Amherst Regional Middle School in the United States, the gym fills with the thumping sound of basketballs and energetic music. A diverse group of students, some still wiping sleep from their eyes, gather for “Morning Movement and Mentoring,” a pioneering program that combines early-morning exercise with academic support and mentoring. Initiated as a simple way to entice teens to school with a few early hoops, this grassroots project has evolved into a multifaceted, youth-focused initiative now recognized for boosting academic performance and attendance—as well as transforming lives.