Albany County is rolling out a new youth mentorship effort aimed at curbing teen‑related crime and building leadership skills. The eight‑week Youth Safety and Leadership Pathways Initiative will be hosted at the College of Saint Rose Athletic Center, providing a safe, structured environment for up to 30 children ages 9 to 15.
County leadership backs the program
County Executive Dan McCoy explained that the program is part of a broader strategy to address the recent rise in teen‑related offenses. “We want young people to have positive ways to handle conflict,” McCoy said. “Adult mentors can step in when they’re struggling and give them a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.” He added that early outreach is essential, noting that while no single effort will solve every problem, reaching kids early and providing solid support can make a real difference.
Collaboration under an “umbrella approach”
The initiative is run by the GKNY Mentor Program. Executive Director Gerald Malcom described the effort as an “umbrella approach,” bringing together nearly a dozen partner organizations to share resources and expertise. Ten additional groups will help connect with participants through shared hobbies and interests, reinforcing the county’s ongoing violence‑prevention strategy.
“We can share the funding and hopefully other organizations will see the model and say, ‘maybe this is something we can replicate,’” Malcom said. He noted that a few spots remain open and encouraged families to sign up before the program concludes on December 11.
How to get involved
Parents and guardians can register their children through the online sign‑up link provided by the county. The program will run weekdays after school and on Saturdays, offering workshops on conflict resolution, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Mentors, many of whom are local professionals and community volunteers, will guide participants through activities designed to build confidence and promote positive decision‑making.
By focusing on mentorship, skill‑building, and community partnership, Albany County hopes to give its youth the tools they need to thrive and to reduce the cycle of violence that has affected neighborhoods across the region.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
