What We Do

Our Mission:

Mentoring transforms lives: we connect kids to college students through weekly on-campus activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures.

Our Vision:

For all school kids to look forward sooner and be able to give back later.

our values:

the power of mentoring
awesomeness in everything we do
devotion to community, mission, and each other
human potential to achieve beyond current circumstances
the exponential impact of the collective (community)
fiscal responsibility

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.

Video created by: Chang-Min Jonathan Hyon

Learn How College Mentors Makes a Difference

A Teacher's Perspective

“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 Parent's Perspective

“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 Little Buddy's Perspective

“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, 8 years old.
A College Student Mentor's Perspective

“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.” – college student volunteer.
A Principal's Perspective

A principal from one of our partner elementary schools told us, “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." 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.

What We Do

What We Do

Our Mission:

Our Vision:

our values:

Learn How College Mentors Makes a Difference

A Teacher's Perspective

A Parent's Perspective

A Little Buddy's Perspective

A College Student Mentor's Perspective

A Principal's Perspective

You can make sure all kids have a mentor by supporting College Mentors for Kids.

Give now!