As the school year draws to a close, College Mentors for Kids’ 21 chapters across Indiana and Illinois are hosting their awards banquets to celebrate a successful year.  The awards banquet is an opportunity to link the families of Little Buddies to mentors, chapter leaders, elementary, community, and university partners.

Each Little Buddy is recognized for their participation during the awards ceremony and presented with a certificate or small gift, such as a picture frame, from their Big Buddy.  Fourth-graders and college seniors who are graduating from the program receive special recognition. Often times, Little Buddies are given the opportunity to share their experiences with attendees as well.

The principal or teacher from the partner elementary school then gives a brief seminar on higher education preparation.  During the session, they explain the resources available to help families plan for college and support their children’s education from elementary through high school.  Each family receives a College Preparatory and Financial Planning Packet, containing information related to post-secondary education, financial aid, and resources for adult learners. 

College Mentors partners with other non-profits in the community as a means of continuing to provide services for children past the fourth grade.  As community partners, representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters share how their program can continue to provide children graduating from College Mentors with a positive adult role model. 

“The awards banquet allows the families of the little buddies to meet their children’s mentors and to see the effects of the program first hand,” said Macara Hostetler, associate program director. “They provide a great opportunity to put valuable college preparatory information into the hands of our communities’ families.  Most importantly, the awards banquets are a great way to recognize the kids and the mentors who participate in the program.”