Youths commit 75 percent of all crimes in the United States, according to recent research done by the Youth Crime Watch of America.

It is predicted that these youths will continue to commit crimes as adults unless they receive special attention or counseling.

This theory is the basis for the “No Fear Mentoring” program started last year by Steve Ward in the Story County Corrections Office.

“It is not so important where a person has been, but where they are going,” said Ward, facilitator for the program.

“So many kids just need to be talked to and shown the various options that are out there for them,” he said.

The program targets teen-agers who have committed crimes and been placed on probation by the court. The youths are paired with a volunteer from the community.

Ward said the teenagers are not forced to take part in the program, but they are encouraged to do so by their probation officers.

The majority of the volunteer partners are students and faculty of Iowa State. Each approved volunteer is matched with a youth, often based on gender and personal interest.

“These kids just need a chance,” said Tom Ortiz, assistant coach of the ISU men’s wrestling team, and a mentor since last November. “I heard about the program through flyers on campus and a speech that Steve Ward gave at an athletic picnic last fall.”

For reasons of confidentiality, Ortiz cannot discuss the history or personal information of his partner. However, Ortiz insists the relationship has been successful for both him and the youth.

“He is really into sports, much like myself, and I am trying to show him that ‘student athlete’ means being a student first and an athlete second,” he said.

Ortiz said the youths have attended ISU men’s and women’s basketball games, and that his partner has been to a couple of the wrestling team’s meets.

Individuals who volunteer to be mentors must first go through an application and interview process, including background checks into driving and criminal records. Various references also are checked.

Approved volunteers participate in a training session which establishes the guidelines and the dos and don’ts of dealing with the youths.

Volunteers are taught how to deal with children who come from violent and abusive families.

There are many different types of people who get involved in the program, Ward said.

“We have a 78-year-old grandmother that is paired up with a 17-year-old football player. They are getting along great and really making a difference to each other,” he said.

Other participants include fraternity and sorority members, a number of teachers, a Department of Public Safety officer and many people from the athletic department.

The idea for the name of the program came from the clothing line “No Fear.” Ward said the program was given permission by the company to use the name.

“The name appeals to a lot of the students we are trying to help,” he said. “It is something that they can relate to.”

Last year, the Iowa State Daily profiled the program and the response was overwhelming, Ward said.

However, “No Fear” needs more volunteers interested in devoting one or two hours of time per week.

More women apply to volunteer for the program than males, he said. However, more male applicants are needed due to the larger percentage of males on probation.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer can call Ward at 239-2958.