Enroll Your Child

mentor with mentee infront of a painted wall

Join the Fun at College Mentors Today

Become a Mentor

mentor and mentee together

Apply to be a Role Model

Make a Gift

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Learn How You Can Give

What We Do

We have a big goal. At College Mentors, we set out each day to transform the lives of children and college students through mentoring. We pair children one-­on-­one with a mentor and engage them in activities on a university campus where they discover the joy of learning and the power of mentoring.

mentor with mentee
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Our families had never thought that their children would go to college. One of the parents cried and said, ‘Now I believe college is a real possibility for my children.” – Partner elementary school principal

We want all parents to feel this way and for all kids to know they can achieve their dreams. But we need you to help us grow, so that there is a College Mentors’ chapter in every state.

A Principal's Perspective
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My leadership skills soared to a whole new level this past year in College Mentors for Kids because like my little buddy, I was also reserved and quiet. I quickly realized that I needed to be a role model for her, and I couldn’t encourage her to participate and talk to other people if I wasn’t willing to do the same thing. By the end of the year we both grew in our leadership skills, and we did it together.” – A college student volunteer

A College Student Mentor's Perspective
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I thought college was just about having fun. I learned that it’s not all about having fun. It’s about learning and listening. [I’ve learned] when you close your eyes, you miss out on things in life. I want to be a doctor. I need to go to college and work hard to make my dream come true.” – Tyla, age 8

A Little Buddy's Perspective
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College Mentors has given Ryland a lot more time on Indiana University’s campus and that in itself is a good thing. Ryland sees IU not as an abstract but as a real place where people do real things.” – Tim

College Mentors’ parent, Tim, grew up in San Diego and says there were many colleges in the area, but he doesn’t remember having exposure to them at a young age. Ryland is seeing early on how college can help him be successful.

A Parent's Perspective
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I really think College Mentors is a great opportunity for our students. So many do not think beyond today. It gives students a chance to see how important education is for their future.” – Teacher at Paul Miller School #114 in Indianapolis

Children learn about college through their college student mentor, by visiting academic buildings, and participating in activities with professors and other college students. Once they see what college can offer, they are motivated to work harder to get there.

A Teacher's Perspective
little buddy holding up art project with mentor

We're Unique

  • All collegiate chapters are college student-run.
  • We combine mentoring with structured activities.
  • Activities take place on campus.
  • Children are exposed to higher education, first-hand, at a young age when habits are still forming.
  • We have a dual impact on children and college student volunteers.
a little buddy and his mentor giving thumbs up

Quick Facts

  • A big impact: 1,500+ kids are matched with college student mentors.
  • A proven model: 20+ years of mentoring kids.
  • A leadership program: 1800+ college students trained to be chapter leaders.
  • A growing footprint: 30 chapters in 10 states and counting.
  • Our college students are volunteering over 90,000 hours of mentoring.

Where We Serve

United States map with chapter location pins