Evaluating online training for mentors helping youth affected by substance misuse
Official title: Substance of Change: Evaluation of Web-Based Training for Mentors and Staff Serving Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse
Funded at Innovation Research and Training, INC. · NIH-10889440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun online training program for mentors and staff who support young people affected by substance misuse, helping them build better skills to connect with and guide these youth towards a brighter future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innovation Research and Training, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $264,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA058874-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth aged 10-21 who have been impacted by substance misuse, either personally or through family members.
✕Less likely to help
Youth who are not affected by substance misuse or do not engage with mentoring programs may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and evaluating a web-based training program designed for mentors and staff who work with youth impacted by substance misuse. The program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of these mentors, addressing the unique challenges faced by youth who have experienced substance misuse in their families or communities. By utilizing interactive and multimedia content, the training seeks to improve the quality of mentoring relationships and ultimately lead to better outcomes for these vulnerable youth. The effectiveness of this training will be assessed through various metrics related to mentor and staff performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mentoring practices that significantly enhance the well-being and outcomes of youth affected by substance misuse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that effective training for mentors can lead to positive outcomes for youth, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Innovation Research and Training, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kupersmidt, Janis B — Innovation Research and Training, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kupersmidt, Janis B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.