Joshua Haller adjusts his computer program to better reflect the mentoring things he will be completing with Antrim County students later this month.

"I was a carpenter and mason and have worked many different outfits during my time," the Kalkaska County resident said.

A resident of Rapid City, Haller has been charged with coordinating a 4-H peer mentoring program for Antrim County through an AmeriCorps/VISTA grant, according to Extension 4-H youth educator Dee Miller.

"I am going to work with youth in Antrim County," Haller said, adding the program would involve both teens aged 15 and up who will mentor youth who are 12 or younger. The program, "Sportin' Character"Êwill focus on building character with an emphasis on sports.ÊÊThe program is held after school, a minimum of four hours per month, or one hour weekly, Haller said. The mentoring program will also bring in Jack Taylor from "Beyond the Scoreboard" to work with interested coaches on teaching character to their teams. Taylor runs a very successful program in Petoskey with school and community coaches.

"We're very excited about this addition to our program and look forward to providing a positive team building concept to young people and community and school coaches in Antrim County," Miller said.

During the summer, youth will continue in their mentoring relationships and events such as attending professional ball games and completing community service projects in their communities will be part of the program.

The program starts Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30, Haller said HallerÕs position is funded through a Michigan Community Service Commission grant for one year and then he has to reapply for the position. He is paid a stipend and will receive over $4,000 in an educational awards toward furthering his education once he has completed the program.

ÔThis is a great opportunity for students in community colleges to work and earn money toward college especially if they are living at home". said Miller.

The program fits easily into HallerÕs lifelong dream.

"I always wanted to be a teacher," he said,