chapter 1: the early days

In 1995, Indiana University students Heidi Schmidt and Kristin Huang were united by a common goal: to improve children's lives by encouraging education. Heidi and Kristin created a program model that matched the needs of first- through fourth-grade students with the talents and resources of college undergraduates like themselves.

chapter 2: up and running

After a year of planning, College Mentors for Kids opened its doors as an official nonprofit organization in 1996. Pilot programs at Indiana University and Butler University paired mentors, or "Big Buddies," with 30 kids in the fall of 1996. The following summer, College Mentors for Kids opened a headquarters office and established four new chapters. In 2008, College Mentors for Kids expanded to include first- through eighth-grade students.

chapter 3: who we are

Today, College Mentors has 23 chapters at colleges and universities across Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. With roughly 1,600 volunteer college students, we're able to mentor more than 1,400 kids. Our growth has been possible thanks to the unwavering support of dedicated staff members, board of directors, partners, college mentors, alumni and donors.