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Campus Connections

Campus Connections About Campus Connections

Program Overview Research and Awards

What is Campus Connections?

Campus Connections Therapeutic Youth Mentoring program is a high-impact service-learning course (3 credits) at Colorado State University and a program serving local youth. The program was developed in 2009 in response to a community request for additional services for youth experiencing difficulties. Campus Connections is an innovative core service for youth exposed to adversities providing mentoring in a unique structure which includes mentor mentees pairs being part of a mentor family (four pairs) with youth of similar ages, exposure to a college campus, academic support, dinner, pro-social activities, and integrated mental health services. Youth are referred from the juvenile system, schools, human services, and many other providers who recognize the tremendous benefits of therapeutic mentoring for youth.

Audio Described Version of Official Extended Information Video Campus Connections (best experienced in Chrome)

Award-winning program

Since launching, over 2,300 youth and over 3,000 CSU students have participated in Campus Connections. CC has an active research program with impressive outcomes for both University students and youth. CC is an award-winning program at the locally and nationally.

Internationally licensed

Campus Connections is now a licensed program operating at other Universities including the University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, University of Auckland in New Zealand, Colorado State University-Pueblo, and the University of Wyoming. Other Universities in Colorado, across the United States, and internationally are in the process of bringing CC to their campuses.

Leading the way

The Campus Connections leadership team includes Shelley Haddock, Ph.D., Jen Krafchick, Ph.D., Mackenzie Miller, M.S., and Toni Zimmerman, Ph.D. from CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies as well Lindsey Weiler, Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and Lise Youngblade, Ph.D., who serves as the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Program Overview

Campus Connections Research and Awards

Campus Connections is grounded in research and best practices for youth mentoring and therapy with youth who have experienced adverse experiences. CC conducts rigorous research to maximize the intervention effects. The program develops, tests, and disseminates its unique contributions to the youth mentoring field.

Research and Awards
Outside, one student has their hands up prepared to set an incoming volleyball while another student watches

Our Supporters

In addition to Colorado State University, Campus Connections relies on generous investments from our supporters. Our support comes from donors, foundations, and community partners. The following list showcases all supporters who have given $500+ to Campus Connections over the last two years:

  • Bohemian Foundation
  • Etchepare Family Foundation
  • Snyder Family Foundation
  • Caley Follmer and Taylor Scott
  • Jennifer and Richard Follmer
  • Stephani and John Hardon
  • Abby Polly-Almanza and Edgar Almanza
  • Tina and Michael Deringer
  • Leslie and Michael Russo
  • Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program
  • Larimer County Behavioral Health.