It's a hard time to be a kid. With all kinds of negative peer pressures, it's tough to navigate without a caring adult to help them through. Many of the kids we serve have added challenges; most of them live in poverty or low-income homes, and more than 80% of them don't have a family history of higher education. 

Luckily, College Mentors for Kids provides college student mentors to serve as positive role models for these kids and open their eyes to new opportunities, helping them to create new visions for their futures. 

The University of Kentucky College Mentors for Kids chapter currently serves 110 students from three local elementary schools. Students are brought to the University of Kentucky campus to enjoy a full meal, hear from a guest speaker, engage in an activity centered on specific learning outcomes, and receive invaluable mentorship from a college student. Although guided by a National Office, the chapter is entirely operated by University of Kentucky students, who are given an opportunity to develop a sense of purpose and commitment to the community of Lexington.

Students from Breckinridge Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School, and William Wells Brown Elementary School participate. Each school bears a Title 1 distinction, meaning that 40% or more of students from these schools come from low-income families. To get a better idea of our impact, research from the National Office concluded the following:

95% of former College Mentors for Kids participants have avoided the justice system successfully

80% of former College Mentors for Kids participants have graduated high school

75% of former College Mentors for Kids participants followed the path to college or trade school

We can't do all of this without your help, though. Please consider making a donation to help me meet my fundraising goal! Your contribution will allow us to continue this program on our campus so that we can make an even greater impact on these kids who need it.