Your Generosity Helps Students Build Brighter Futures
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and imagine a future full of possibilities. But without exposure to new experiences and career paths, it can be difficult for children to envision what that future might hold.
College Mentors for Kids at Anderson University is helping change that by connecting local elementary students with college mentors who encourage them to learn, build confidence, and try new things.
Through an Impact Madison Grant from Madison County Community Foundation, College Mentors for Kids supports activities that bring college students and local children together.
Partnering with Anderson Elementary School, the program provides mentorship and enrichment opportunities for children who can benefit from additional support. Visits to Anderson University’s campus introduce students to college life and potential career paths while helping them build meaningful relationships with college student volunteers.
For Emily Bantsolas, a junior elementary education major at Anderson University, those relationships are at the heart of the experience. As a College Mentors for Kids volunteer, she sees the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives through the simple but powerful act of showing up and building a connection.
“I chose to be a part of College Mentors for Kids because I want to be a part of the power of mentoring and make an impact in kids’ lives,” Emily shared.
That impact grows week by week as mentors help their young buddies discover new interests, gain confidence, and begin imagining what their own futures could hold. Sara Wilson, the President of Anderson University’s College Mentors for Kids chapter, sees that lasting connection as the heart of the program.
“Every week for me is what captures what College Mentors is all about, and that is building a relationship with a college student mentor that is showing the little buddy what college life is like while also being a positive role model in their lives!” Sara shared.
The value of these relationships is reflected in the program’s survey results. Eighty-nine percent of participating children reported seeing more positive things about themselves since joining the program, and 92% of families said their child’s mentor helped them develop new skills. College students benefit, too: 80% of volunteers reported gaining leadership skills through their involvement.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, the Anderson chapter served 30 students in first through fifth grade with the support of 38 Anderson University student volunteers. Activities give children opportunities to explore subjects and careers they may not otherwise encounter. In one session, a professor introduced students to notable engineers, including minority engineers. After learning about famous inventions and the creative process behind them, the children designed inventions of their own, bringing together imagination, science, and engineering while discovering new possibilities for their futures.
“One of our little buddy pairs has been together for the past three years. Their names are Bear and Sadie. Bear gets to learn new skills and get inspired for future careers, and Sadie gets a chance to give back to her campus community. It’s a win-win,” says Emily Meyer, Development Advisor.
Stories like these show what can happen when children are encouraged by someone who believes in their potential. Your generosity helps create these meaningful connections between Anderson University and the next generation, opening doors to learning, mentorship, and new opportunities.
Your gift to the Impact Madison Fund helps make this work possible. Through Madison County Community Foundation, Impact Madison Grants support nonprofit programs that address emerging community needs and strengthen local families. Funding supports a wide range of focus areas, including Arts, Culture, & History; Community Vitality; Everyone’s Economy; Health & Wellbeing; Lifelong Learning; and Strong Families & Youth.
Consider giving to the Impact Madison Fund to help more children and families across Madison County build brighter futures.
