Context: Mentor Vermont sought to equip volunteer mentors with a foundational understanding of youth, mental health, and well-being. Many mentors lack training in psychology or youth support, so an accessible, engaging resource was needed to introduce key concepts like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Challenges: The module, built in Articulate Storyline, uses clear narration, interactive elements, and realistic mentoring scenarios to explain each level of the hierarchy. Learners are guided to recognize how unmet needs may impact youth behavior and are provided with actionable strategies for offering support without overstepping boundaries.

Results: Released in 2025, the module is part of Mentor Vermont’s Youth Mental Health & Well-Being training. Early feedback indicates that mentors feel more confident identifying and responding to youth needs, and post-module reflections suggest increased awareness of how to build trust and provide trauma-informed support.