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From left, Cristian Diaz, Julian Peral, Jose Peral, mentor Jose Coronado and Javier Jimenez walk along the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz during a Saturday field trip for the whole group. STEP UP Mentoring is a weekly, nine-month group program for Monterey County youth ages 11 to 15 years of age. For young people at risk of gang involvement, truancy, or drug use, mentors are positive role models, providing structured and trusting relationships and introducing new ideas and possibilities.

