Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: College Mentors for Kids
Legal Name (if Different): College Mentors for Kids Inc.
Also Known As: N/A
Mailing Address: 6081 E. 82nd Street Suite 420
City: Indianapolis
State: Indiana
Postal Code: 46250
Main Phone: 317-921-1798
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: www.collegementors.org
Employer ID Number: 35-2002052
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2-24-2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Virginia College Mentors Helping Little Buddies Go from Good to Great
Project Description:

College Mentors for Kids connects Virginia college students with underserved youth in grades 1-6 through weekly on-campus activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures. By fostering these one-on-one relationships, we create a dual impact that benefits both children and their college student mentors. Our four Virginia chapters include James Madison University, Radford University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech.

460 college students mentor 350 first through sixth graders (little buddies) on site at all four Virginia campuses. Kids visit the campus once a week after school during the academic year (15-17 times) to participate in activities with their mentors that focus on higher education and careers, culture and diversity, and community service. Activities draw upon the unique resources of the campus.

We have three program goals:

1. Contribute to positive youth development through mentoring relationships.
2. Build knowledge and aspirations for the future through structured activities.
3. Increase community engagement among college student volunteers through mentoring relationships and leadership opportunities.

Our 2026-27 success metrics for the Virginia chapters are:

1. An estimated 400 little buddies will participate in weekly activities with their mentors.
2. 500 college student volunteers will be engaged as college student leaders/mentors.

Our key outcomes for the University of Virginia chapter and all chapters include:

1. Little buddies increase or maintain high self-efficacy and self-esteem.
2. Children display prosocial behaviors such as being helpful and cooperative.
3. Children gain awareness of different careers and future expectations.
4. Little buddies become comfortable and familiar with a college campus.
5. College student mentors increase their civic engagement, communication and leadership skills, and feelings of compassion and altruism.

Our long-term outcomes/impacts include little buddies graduating from high school, avoiding the justice system, following the path to post-secondary education, and volunteering for their communities, all at higher rates than their peers.

Total Project Budget: $325,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Cav Futures – $10,000, Pending; Chapter fundraising – $60,000, Pending; Federal grant – Amount TBD, will apply Spring 2026; BAMA Works – $3,000, will apply August 2026. The remainder of the budget will come from unrestricted dollars.

Project Duration: 01/01/2027 – 12/31/2027
Geographical Area Served: Harrisonburg, Radford, Charlottesville, and Blacksburg, VA
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 6-22

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Shelley
Contact Last Name: Hunter
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 317-921-1798
Contact Email: shunter@collegementors.org