; and (ii) have been screened using appropriate reference checks and criminal background checks; (B) provide coaching and technical assistance to mentors in such mentoring program; (C) provide at-risk students with a positive relationship with a skilled adult offering support and guidance; (D) improve the academic achievement of at-risk students; (E) foster positive relationships between at-risk students and their peers, teachers, other adults, and family members; (F) reduce dropout rates and absenteeism and improve school engagement of at-risk students and their families; (G) reduce juvenile justice involvement of at-risk students; (H) develop the cognitive and social-emotional skills of at-risk students; (I) develop the workforce readiness skills of at-risk students; (J) encourage at-risk students to participate in community service activities; and (K) encourage at-risk students to set goals and plan for their futures, including encouraging such students to make plans for postsecondary education and the workforce. (2) Duration The Secretary shall award grants under this section for a period not to exceed 5 years. (3) Application To receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes— (A) a needs assessment that includes baseline data on the measures described in paragraph (6)(A)(ii); and (B) a plan to meet the requirements of paragraph (1). (4) Priority In selecting grant recipients, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that— (A) serve children and youth with the greatest need living in high-poverty, high-crime areas, rural areas, or who attend schools with high rates of community violence