UC Partnership Seeks Mentors to Transform the Lives of Foster Youth

January is National Mentoring Month and recruitment is underway in a unique UC partnership to build on the educational success of area foster children who are aging out of the foster care system.

The Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) – a partnership represented by UC’s Partnership for Achieving School Success (PASS), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development, Hamilton County Job and Family Services and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners – is recruiting mentors to serve 15 high school students in Hamilton County foster care.

This marks the third year of the HEMI partnership to assist, encourage and support the academic achievement of foster students through high school and college.

The partnership served 37 students last year. All students have graduated high school and most are pursuing higher education at various schools including but not limited to UC, Cincinnati State, Great Oaks, the College of Mt. Saint Joseph and The Ohio State University

“As HEMI approaches the third year of the program, we’re continually seeking adults to spend roughly two hours a week to mentor a foster child through their junior and senior year of high school and through their pursuit of a degree or certificate,” says Annie Schellinger, UC HEMI Program Coordinator.

To be considered for the mentor program, participants must fill out an application, undergo a background check and complete an interview process. This includes providing a copy of a valid drivers’ license and proof of insurance.

Mentors must attend either a six-hour training program that will take place on Jan. 28, after they have been cleared for the initial screening process, or they must attend a two-part training program in early February. To obtain an application and for more information, contact Annie Schellinger, UC HEMI Program Coordinator, at 513-556-4368, or e-mail annie.schellinger@uc.edu

The selected mentors will meet the foster students at an event in March, after undergoing the training program.

Partner for Achieving School Success Program