Growing up is tough, and every child deserves someone in their corner—someone to encourage them, believe in them, and help them see their potential. That’s why I’m proud to be an Engagement Manager for College Mentors for Kids at Virginia Tech, where we connect elementary students with college mentors who inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures.

Each week, we welcome around 160 little buddies from Local Elementary Schools to Virginia Tech’s campus. These kids get a hands-on introduction to higher education—an experience that plants the seed of possibility. Through structured activities, we help them explore careers, culture and diversity, and community service. We create a space where they can feel safe, excited, and valued while learning about the world and their own potential.

As an Engagement Manager, my role is to ensure that our mentorship program continues to thrive. I help recruit dedicated mentors, set clear expectations, support buddy pairs, and promote the program across our campus and community. I also conduct closure meetings when mentorships end early, ensuring that every child and mentor receives the guidance they need throughout their journey.

Why does this matter? Research shows that kids with mentors are more likely to have positive self-esteem, achieve higher academic success, and become leaders in their own communities. But beyond the numbers, mentoring provides something even more meaningful: a sense of belonging. For many of these children, this program is their first real connection to a future they never imagined possible.

I’ve seen firsthand how mentoring changes lives—not just for the little buddies, but for us as mentors too. When I was a mentor, every week, I learned as much from my buddy as they learn from me. This program teaches leadership, empathy, and the power of showing up for someone else.

But we can’t do it alone. We need your support to keep this life-changing program running. Your donation directly funds activities, transportation, and resources that make mentorship possible. Every dollar helps us create moments of inspiration that can change a child’s trajectory forever.

Please consider making a gift today and help us spread the power of mentoring. Together, we can build brighter futures—one child, one mentor, one moment at a time.