Dr. Levester Johnson

I've had the opportunity to observe, advise and attend programs sponsored by College Mentors for Kids since its inception. I've enjoyed my office facing the area in which College Mentors for Kids children are dropped off from school onto campus. Twice a week, I've witnessed one of the most moving experiences as these children run to greet their college mentor. The joy, excitement and enthusiasm exhibited between mentors and their little buddies are unbelievable!

As a person of color, I wasn't introduced to a college campus until my senior year of high school. I almost missed out on the dream to attend college. I've been so touched by what I've seen through this program that I've made moves to assure their permanency by providing advisement as well as institutional funding to support the Butler chapter budget.

College Mentors for Kids can be considered one of the State of Indiana's "Centers of Excellence" for reaching out to youth and families challenged by the economic and environmental challenges of our society, improving the road to their academic success.

Beth Casselman

College Mentors for Kids, Inc., is a great fit with The Clowes Fund's vision to help build a just and equitable society. It has been rewarding to support College Mentors for Kids through critical phases in its non-profit life cycle from infancy to growth and expansion. Growth has been planned strategically and cautiously, although not without risk. College Mentors for Kids operates with a strong board, lean and dedicated staff who work to galvanize the resources of a legion of college students as volunteer mentors for hundreds of at-risk primary students. We're looking forward to the next decade as the impact of College Mentors for Kids will begin to be realized fully as students who visited college campuses as first graders begin to leave campuses as college graduates. Press on!

Sally Jones + Chris Conley

Over the last four years, College Mentors for Kids Inc. has given many Delaware County children a chance to go to Ball State University and learn what college is all about. It helps the college students understand what family life is like for many parents who have never gone to college themselves. The children are less intimidated by the University campus; they feel like it is a friendly place with nice, caring people. They are introduced to the opportunities that exist on a college campus like Ball State. They have visited Christy Woods, seen an Art Museum, visited a research library, and realized that the campus is made up of many different buildings for teaching and learning. Our students understand that this is a goal they can attain with enough work. In other words, college has become a real place and a real possibility for them.

Pamela Hopson

College Mentors for Kids Inc. has had a tremendous impact on our college students at the University of Southern Indiana. This program has provided them the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities and organizational skills, and make new friends. Because College Mentors for Kids is a partnership, it gives the University an opportunity to build strong ties with the community by sharing our resources and showing that we are a caring Institution.

Of course we have plenty of fond memories, but those which stand out the most are the awards banquets. This is an opportunity to share with the family members and special guests what the children have learned throughout the year. Unfortunately, for the fourth grade buddy pairs it is a sad occasion because that means the end of a strong relationship. There are rivers of tears; their tears are for multiple reasons, tears of sadness because the child can no longer participate in the program and tears of joy because it is evident that we have made a positive impact in the lives of these children. We’ve had the children beg to allow them to come back and participate the following year. That says a lot for the program.

We continue to be involved because we see it as a win-win situation. The elementary children win because they have a better understanding of college and a strong desire to continue their education and the college students win because they have an opportunity to give back to the community. This year we had a child say that when she goes to college, not if she goes, that she will be president of College Mentors for Kids. Now that’s what we are all about! This child has no doubt in her mind that she will attend college. Our motivation to participate in the program was and continues to be the child.

LaShanda Fitzgerald

College Mentors for Kids Inc. is not just a tutoring or after school extra-curricular activity. It challenges my son to think beyond his current school environment. Kids learn most through experiential activities and College Mentors for Kids is intentional about ensuring that the activities are hands-on for the children. The college student mentors are very caring and enthusiastic about their roles, and the curriculum is designed to expand my child's interest in higher education, making positive choices, and becoming a good steward at school and at home. As a single mother of two, with a full time job, my time with my children is limited. I depend on programs such as College Mentors for Kids to provide my children with the additional support they need to develop into positive, respectful, and healthy young adults.

My son Darian is still very enthusiastic about his participation in College Mentors for Kids Mentor program. He loved spending time with his mentor and looked forward to visiting the Butler campus each week. "I only wished it lasted longer and that we could go more times each week!" was a frequent comment he made. Darian has always been a good student and gets really good grades. The College Mentors for Kids program also reinforces positive study habits.

I feel the greatest impact of College Mentors for Kids is what it does for Darian socially. Darian attends a school where there is not much time for socialization, nor is it encouraged. Teachers are challenged with teaching to Indiana State Standards to students with all types of educational and emotional backgrounds. The College Mentors program allows my son to process daily issues and enhance his problem solving and decision-making skills.

In my home I encourage my kids to work hard at school. I expect that they will both attend college; the only question is where. Darian realizes he has many options in life and that he is responsible for his own actions. Although he talks often about college and what he wants his life to be like when he grows up, he is not sure what he wants to be or where he wants to go to school. I truly appreciate the opportunities College Mentors for Kids has offered my family. The program has exposed Darian to what college life is like firsthand. I think his experience with College Mentors for Kids will strongly influence his decision to pursue higher education.