Improving mental health and physical activity in adolescents through a mentoring program
Official title: Using a Mentoring AfterSchool Program to Improve Adolescent Mental Health and Physical Activity: A Pilot Study
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11077864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun afterschool program that connects teens with mentors to help them feel better mentally and get more active, especially for those who might not have access to these kinds of support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $137,808 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MD019190-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents, particularly those from underserved communities who may be experiencing mental health challenges or low levels of physical activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not face mental health or physical activity challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an afterschool program that pairs adolescents with mentors to enhance both their mental health and physical activity levels. The program aims to address the rising rates of depression among youth while also promoting healthy behaviors that can prevent cardiovascular disease. By combining mentorship with physical activity, the initiative seeks to create a supportive environment that encourages adolescents to engage in healthier lifestyles. The program will be evaluated for its effectiveness and feasibility in reaching underserved youth populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and increased physical activity among adolescents, reducing their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions combining mental and physical health support can be effective, indicating a promising approach for this program.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendel, Katherine R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Hendel, Katherine R
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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.