Mentors for Hamilton County Foster Youth

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Foster youth often face challenging life circumstances and for many, education is not a priority. HEMI (Higher Education Mentoring Initiative) provides Hamilton County foster youth a long-term mentoring relationship that begins in high school. HEMI's mission is to provide one-on-one mentors for 11th and 12th grade students to guide a path to high school graduation and self-sufficiency after graduation through post-secondary education, career education, job training or the military as post-secondary goals.

Mentors are volunteers from the community who typically meet once a week to assist, guide and support their mentee in both their academic and personal endeavors. Mentors and mentees also attend HEMI’s Monthly Meet-Ups, and other events throughout the year. These activities encourage greater connectivity, help strengthen the mentor/mentee relationship, enhance mentor training, and provide a time to have some fun together.

Mentors meet with youth 1 hour per week, at the mentee’s school, or at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the mentor and mentee. Volunteers will attend an orientation to HEMI, 3 Mentor Trainings (Trauma-Informed Care, Developmental Assets, Cultural Competency), and complete a BCI and FBI Background Checks (paid for by HCJFS)". Opportunities are available with 11th and 12th grade students in Hamilton County foster care.