Research says youth programs benefit society

St. Paul, Minn. — New research quantifies the benefits of mentoring and intervention programs for youth.

Two studies conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota and Wilder Research say such programs can more than pay for themselves through taxpayer savings.

The research finds that Minnesota can expect a return of $2.72 for every $1 invested in mentoring, and $4.89 for every $1 spent on youth intervention programs.

MPR's Perry Finelli talked with Paul Anton, the chief economist for Wilder Research, who worked on the study.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, 04/17/2007, 7:25 a.m.