Who We Are: Impact & Results

College Mentors Impacts Everyone Involved

College Mentors, Inc., provides structured, substantive activities designed to yield measurable short and long term results and outcomes regarding youth development and educational achievement. College Mentors demonstrates a strong positive effect on child participants and their families, mentors, the university, and the community as evidenced by qualitative and quantitative measures. Through College Mentors’ two mentor programs, elementary and middle school children develop a strong relationship with a college student mentor and spend up to 40 hours each year in educational, hands-on activities.  College Mentors is an early form of workforce development as it promotes educational achievement and professional goal-setting among elementary and middle school students. The long term effects of participation in the Mentor Program are success in high school and graduation from college. 

The positive outcomes of the mentor program are not limited to the elementary and middle school students. While children are our focus, benefits reach far beyond them. College students who become mentors are more likely to finish their college careers and are also more likely to give philanthropically. On annual evaluations, an average of eighty percent of all mentors reported that they are more likely to continue with community service after their graduation. College students develop valuable and lasting leadership and management skills; nearly 70 percent of mentors report that they know more about the operations of a non-profit organization. Families and surrounding communities are also positively affected by College Mentors. Frequent exposure to higher education increases the family's awareness of higher education and makes it a goal within reach. The university campus becomes a resource to the families rather than an intimidating and unwelcoming place. Several parents have begun to further their own education as a result of their child's experience in the mentor program. Communities benefit from the College Mentors for Kids program because the program helps to develop productive citizens by promoting educational achievement and professional goal-setting at a young age. A better-educated workforce is more likely to contribute to Indiana's economy, vote, make charitable gifts, and volunteer in the community.

Evaluation and Assessment
To measure program success and the impact of the program on children and college students, an evaluation plan has been developed with both quantitative and qualitative measurements. Evaluation and assessment is conducted via survey at the end of the school year. Mentors, children, their teachers and parents respond to structured and open-ended questions about the their experience in the program. Mentors evaluate themselves. In addition to survey data, headquarters receives data from the elementary and middle schools on the children’s’ attendance, grades, and ISTEP (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress) scores. Teachers and parents report that the children participating in the mentor program display better behavior in school and at home, have an increased interest in academics, have improved literacy and are now aware of the opportunities and importance of furthering their education.

Outcomes
Targeted outcomes for child participants are positive youth development, educational achievement, and goals for the future. Indicators of positive development include a decrease in problematic behavior in school and at home, improved relationships with peers and family, interest in and engagement in school, participation in other clubs and community service activities, awareness and acceptance of other cultures, and goals for the future. Indicators of educational achievement include reading at or above grade level, improved school attendance, ISTEP scores, and grades. Long-term outcomes include academic success, social and behavioral well-being, high school and college matriculation, workforce preparedness, career achievement, and economic self-sufficiency.

College student outcomes include higher retention rates in school, increased awareness of college and community resources, increased participation in community service, increased commitment to donate philanthropically and development of valuable leadership and non-profit management skills.

College Mentors for Kids Evaluation Results

When Little Buddy was asked what they learned in College Mentors for Kids...

"College is a school where you learn about what you want to be when you grow up."

-Little Buddy, University of Evansville Chapter

When a parent was asked what they thought of the College Mentors program...

"My daughter loves her mentor. What a great thing for the kids to experience. Thanks a lot."

-Parent of Little Buddy at Ball State University Chapter

When a Mentor was asked about their experience in College Mentors for Kids...

"I learned that I have the ability to be a reference and important figure in a child's life. To know that I have influence over her decisions and can relate to her have taught me the importance of responsibility and the need to engage in community service."

-Mentor, DePauw University Chapter

When a teach was asked College Mentors for Kids impacts students...

" For many of the students, your program is the best thing they have going for the week. I don't think you realize how many lives you have touched over the years in a quiet but effective way. Keep up the good work!"

-Teacher at Anderson Elementary School, partner to Anderson University Chapter