UK students have chance to mentor kids

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By Logan Jeffries | @KyKernel

[email protected]

“Connecting college students with the most to give to kids who need it most” is the mission statement of College Mentors For Kids.

College Mentors For Kids is a nonprofit that works to provide a college mentor who promotes higher education for children who are living at the poverty level or are potential first-generation students.

The organization began in 1996 at Indiana University and Butler University.

Today, there are 24 chapters of CMFK at universities and colleges throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, according to the organization’s website. There are roughly 1,700 college students that mentor more than 1,500 children through CMFK.

“College Mentors for Kids is an amazing program that truly changes the lives of everyone involved,” said Rachel Allgeier, a mentor for UK’s chapter.

This is the first year UK has a chapter in the program. There are 24 fourth- and fifth-graders from Harrison Elementary who come to campus each week to engage in activities geared toward higher education, community service, culture and diversity, according to Emily Pena, UK’s chapter president.

By bringing the children to campus, CMFK hopes to develop a mindset for the children that college is a realistic opportunity for them and to help them reach their full potential.

The first year for UK’s chapter is coming to a close, but the group is looking to expand.

Next year they will have 80 pairs of mentors and “little buddies,” according to Pena. All of the children will be Harrison Elementary third-, fourth and fifth-graders.

Pena is certain that they can manage the increase, due to the tremendous response the program has had.

“We have learned a lot over the course of the year to continue to help us grow and serve more children in the Lexington area,” she said.

Allgeier also looks forward to the future of the program.

“I hope that our program continues to grow and impact as many students as possible.”

CMFK has conducted studies that show 77 percent of kids say they now try harder in school, 84 percent have learned about different jobs, 87 percent have learned about finances, money and savings, and 93 percent want to go to college.

UK students interested in becoming a mentor can email [email protected] to receive more information, or apply at collegementors.org.