The Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) is a partnership between Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann, Hamilton County Job and Family Services and the University of Cincinnati. HEMI seeks to reduce delinquency and helps prepare foster children for post-secondary education. The initiative will recruit, train and support mentors to establish long term, positive relationships with foster care youth. The mentors will assist, encourage and support academic achievement through high school and help create a direct pathway to higher education.

During its pilot year, 2009-2010, the Higher Education Mentoring Initiative is designed to serve up to 25 seniors in high school for the 2009-2010 school year. Mentees are students in foster care. Some of the students live with foster families and some may live in group homes. The mentees attend various schools across Hamilton County in the greater Cincinnati area and are referred to this program by county section chiefs and case workers.

The mentors and mentees will meet in the community weekly, for an average of 2 hours of contact per week for the duration of the student’s senior year and throughout the student’s chosen post secondary educational program. HEMI provides mentors and mentees support and guidance throughout the relationship.