A Champion of Youth Mentoring — Dr. David DuBois
Left to Right: Dr. Carla Herrera, Elizabeth Higley, Dr. David Dubois
As Great Life Mentoring (GLM) embarks on a new chapter of expansion to the Portland, Oregon area, the organization is excited to feature esteemed collaborator and research partner, Dr. David DuBois. With a wealth of experience and expertise in youth mentoring research, Dr. DuBois brings valuable insights and perspective to GLM and its mission to improve mental health outcomes for youth from low-resource families.
Having earned his doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. DuBois has dedicated his career to understanding the factors that contribute to positive youth development. His research on the effectiveness of youth mentoring programs has helped shape evidence-based interventions supporting vulnerable youth.
In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. DuBois is actively involved in practical initiatives to translate research findings into meaningful interventions. He is at the forefront of evaluating GLM’s program practices through the SMART (the Study of Mental Health and RelaTionships or “SMART”) research study. This Randomized Controlled Trial assesses the impact of GLM on the mental health and well-being of youth receiving publicly funded mental healthcare. Putting the program to the test in this way is essential for GLM: Rigorous evidence of effectiveness supports GLM’s fundraising and ability to grow and serve more youth in need. This initiative can also further legitimize GLM’s mentoring model through scientific research. Dr. DuBois’s leadership in the SMART study reflects his commitment to rigorous evaluation and evidence-based practice.
Beyond his professional achievements, what truly sets Dr. DuBois apart is his genuine compassion and humility. Elizabeth Higley, Founder and Executive Director of GLM, notes,
"It has been an enormous benefit to Great Life Mentoring, and personally enriching for me, to work with David over the past ten years. As one of the leading mentoring researchers in the country, he has a host of impressive accomplishments on his resumé, but the thing that has been most striking to me is that, though brilliant, David is also full of kindness and humility. He is always willing to listen and consider the perspectives of others. He is a generous and insightful person who is down to earth and devoted to his family, as well as being a youth mentor himself. David DuBois is a mentor in the very best sense of the word, and he is making the world a better place."
His generosity of spirit and unwavering dedication to youth empowerment make him not only a respected researcher in the field but someone who practices what he preaches in real life, too.
As GLM embarks on this new chapter of growth and research, the organization is grateful for Dr. David DuBois' partnership and leadership. His guidance and expertise instill confidence that GLM’s efforts to serve youth in the Portland area will make a measurable impact. This partnership brings hope of making a positive difference in the lives of young people and fostering a brighter future for our communities.
