How WSU Students Inspire the Next Generation Through Cougs 4 Kids
It’s 3:15 p.m. in a Pullman library. A WSU biology major kneels beside a sixth-grader’s notebook, sketching cell parts on a sticky note. The student’s eyes light up—“So mitochondria are the power plants?”—and the lesson clicks. Moments like this happen across Washington when WSU students inspire the next generation as near-peer mentors for K–12 youth. Decades of research show that well-run mentoring programs support social, emotional, behavioral, and academic gains. Below, see why near-peer mentoring works, how Cougs from all majors get involved, and how you can help us grow a statewide network of role models.
What Is Cougs 4 Kids?
Cougs 4 Kids connects WSU students with local schools and youth-serving nonprofits for structured, supervised mentoring—from homework help to social-emotional coaching to college-readiness support. It’s open to every campus and major: future engineers and nurses, designers and data scientists, business majors and student-athletes. Mentors receive guidance, align with school goals, and show up consistently—because reliability builds trust.
Near-peer mentoring pairs older students or young adults with younger youth for regular, guided support. Programs are most effective when mentors are trained, activities are structured, and adult oversight ensures consistency and safety—conditions linked to stronger academic and social-emotional outcomes. (Michael Karcher)
Why Near-Peer Mentoring Works
- It moves the needle across outcomes. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 70 mentoring studies covering 25,286 youth reported statistically significant benefits across social, emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes, with average effects comparable to other proven youth prevention programs. (Rhodes Lab)
- Being “near” in age helps. A specialized meta-analysis of cross-age/near-peer mentoring found a medium overall effect (g ≈ 0.45)—and stronger results when programs include mentor training, clear goals, and adult supervision. (Michael Karcher)
- It fits the Positive Youth Development (PYD) model. Youth.gov recognizes mentoring as a flexible PYD strategy that supports both promotive (building strengths) and preventive (reducing risk) goals, and can involve older peers alongside adults in supportive settings. (Youth.gov)
Pull-quote: “Meta-analyses show youth mentoring produces significant benefits when programs are structured and supervised.” (Rhodes Lab)
Cougs in Action—Across Campuses & Majors
Cougs mentor in ways that match their strengths and interests:
- STEM Tutor: Engineering and science majors turn abstract concepts into hands-on builds—robotics challenges, paper circuits, or math puzzle stations that make problem-solving feel like a game.
- Literacy Mentor: Education and humanities students run read-alouds, journaling prompts, and paired reading through WSU’s Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) youth programs, including elementary pen-pal and after-school literacy activities. (Civic Engagement)
- Wellness Peer Educator: Health sciences and human development majors co-design mini-lessons on study habits, stress, sleep, and movement with teachers and counselors, helping students build healthy routines that support learning.
What powers this at scale? More than 7,000 WSU students seek volunteer opportunities every year, with the CCE helping Cougs find roles that fit their schedules and interests—on campus, in Pullman and surrounding communities, and across the WSU system. (WSU News)
Ready to explore placements? Start at the CCE site, where Student Programs & Projects list options by cause area (including youth and literacy), time commitment, and location. The directory makes it easy to filter for school-based mentoring and one-time events that can lead to longer-term roles. (Civic Engagement)
Mentoring skills grow on campus, too. WSU’s Team Mentoring Program (TMP) gives STEM students structured practice in mentoring and leadership—study groups, workshops, and cohort events that build confidence and coaching habits. In 2025, TMP organized industry site visits that exposed students to aviation, wine science, neuroscience, and tech careers, strengthening their ability to advise younger learners. (Team Mentoring Program)
And for Coug fans who love seeing role models in action, WSU Student-Athlete Development and Athletics’ community service features highlight how student-athletes lead in classrooms and community events—great inspiration for K–12 students who look up to Cougs. (Washington State University Athletics)
Impact You Can See
What we measure (and share in our newsletter):
- Consistency & attendance: Reliable weekly sessions help relationships deepen and skills stick.
- Mentor hours delivered: Total time mentors spend with students, in class and after school.
- Student progress snapshots: Teacher-reported gains in motivation, engagement, and readiness; short reflections from mentees about confidence and “I can do this” moments.
A story of growth: “Maya,” a shy seventh-grader, dreaded science lab. Her WSU mentor—an aspiring nurse—started with simple circuits, then co-built a lab checklist to make steps less scary. After six weeks, Maya volunteered to demo a circuit in front of the class and asked how to prepare for high school biology. That’s PYD in motion: belonging, skills, and hope rising together. (Youth.gov)
Data notes: We publish aggregate metrics quarterly and never share youth PII. Photos used in this article have consent on file. When a school wants a deeper dive, we provide a brief outcomes summary aligned to their goals, focusing on consistency, participation, and growth indicators teachers care about.
FAQs
It’s when older students (like college mentors) work with younger youth through regular, guided sessions. Programs see stronger results when mentors are trained, sessions are structured, and adults provide oversight and support—core features of effective designs. (Michael Karcher)
Research syntheses show mentoring supports gains in motivation, belonging, and selected academic or behavioral outcomes. Consistent contact and a clear plan matter—when those pieces are in place, students make meaningful progress and feel more connected to school. (Rhodes Lab)
Start with the Center for Civic Engagement to find youth-focused roles and literacy programs, then build mentoring chops through TMP workshops and cohorts. Training and placements are coordinated with schools and community partners to fit student schedules. (Civic Engagement)
How You Can Help (Fans, Alumni, Parents)
- Subscribe for impact updates (and volunteer alerts). Our newsletter features short stories, new placements, and mentor tips.
- Refer a school or youth program. Know a principal, counselor, or nonprofit leader? Share our partner interest form. We coordinate training, scheduling, and simple reporting so placements support school priorities.
- Share with Coug networks. Post this story in alumni groups, parent forums, and Coug fan communities; tag the WSU CCE so more students see opportunities to mentor. (Civic Engagement)
- For superfans: Browse Student-Athlete Development for examples of Cougs leading off the field—content that resonates with K–12 students and families. (Washington State University Athletics)
Donation
Your tax-deductible contribution directly supports our programs, from funding mentorship and leadership training to providing resources for youth-led community-service projects.
Volunteer with Us
We’re always looking for passionate volunteers who want to make a difference. Whether it’s mentoring, event support, or community outreach, your time can change lives.
About Believe in Me
Cougs 4 Kids is just one of Believe in Me’s programs, each designed to create safe spaces, foster supportive networks, and provide educational opportunities for marginalized youth.