Mentors transitioning from college to career

[Sue RCYF MY Hero! in Austin]

It is a joy to see some of our 4-year mentors transition from college to graduate and start their careers. I know that the fact they personally experienced mentoring youth one-on-one will stay with them in the work place. I hope they will advocate for mentoring among more young professionals.

--enjoying a vacation with my calif family, graduating from high schools north and south,

sue sende cole 6-16-10

[Bradley Troast]

When I read your post I think of Teach for America - how they try to give young adults experiences which, once they go on with their careers, remain with them and influence their professional decisions. If we can get students and volunteers in tutor/mentor programs to think like this, we will be growing advocates who can help maintain our organizations in the future. (Of course we need help now, too!)

[Daniel Bassill]

Thanks Sue. I agree with you. When you've been part of the lives of youth and seen them grow up, it's a great thrill. We held our year-end dinner last week and one of the speakers was 31-year old woman who went through our program from 6th grade through 12th grade. She's been through college, is now working, and is taking graduate courses. She talked about "the transformative impact" the program and her mentors had on her. You can see her video, and other photos and videos from the dinner at http://cabrinipip.blogspot.com/2010/06/2010-year-end-dinner.html

Have you looked at the Chicago program locator maps? How many other places in Austin offer the type of program you lead, or the type that we lead? Is there any central leadership group helping you, and other programs in the city, get volunteers, and regular operating dollars? Are any of your student alumni old enough to be in a position to be making donations to support your organization?