College Mentors for Kids

College Mentors for Kids

The College Mentors for Kids program cultivates ongoing one-on-one relationships between college students and elementary-aged students through shared experiences on campuses and in communities. For the duration of the school year, college students are paired with elementary students, creating a buddy pair. These buddy pairs meet in groups for weekly activities on campus. Through these activities, children explore new opportunities and begin to develop a larger sense of the world and their place in it. 

College Mentors for kids originated at Indiana University in 1996. Since then, College Mentors has grown to be a national organization with 31 chapters serving over 1,500 children across the United States through the volunteer efforts of over 2,000 college students.

In 2000, the University of Southern Indiana started its own chapter. The members mentor children from Lincoln School every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., except for finals weeks and school breaks, during the academic year. At the weekly meetings, Mentors and Little Buddies focus on an activity from one of the following three areas: Higher Education, Community Service, and Culture and Diversity. All of this provides valuable educational experiences and exposure to higher education, the arts, diverse cultures and community service. 

College Mentors accepts and welcomes USI students of all races, cultures and backgrounds into its membership. If you would like more information about College Mentors For Kids, contact Deonte Turnley, the site manager, at 812-465-7188.