UC's HEMI to Host Information Session on Mentoring Opportunities

The University of Cincinnati's Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) will host an event on how to become a mentor and help Greater Cincinnati youth pursue their dreams of a higher education. The information session will be held on Friday, March 27 from 12-1 p.m. in 411 Teachers College with lunch cooked by Dean Lawrence J. Johnson of the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH), where HEMI resides within the College’s PASS Center. The lunch and information session is open to anyone who is interested in more information about the HEMI program and getting involved. 

The HEMI Program is a partnership between the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, UC’s Partnership for Achieving School Success (PASS), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Mount St. Joseph University, Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development, and Hamilton County Job and Family Services. HEMI helps youth in foster care achieve the possibilities of higher education through fundraising for scholarships and by providing mentoring.

Recently, HEMI has gained support financially as well. On February 11, represented by HEMI student Laquita Howell, the program participated in the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch competition in Cincinnati. Eight local nonprofits shared their stories to an audience of supporters, philanthropists, students, and peers – and a panel of judges awarded unrestricted grants and scholarships.

Despite the tough field of competition of worthy non-profits, Laquita gave a terrific presentation and helped HEMI secure $5,000 in grant funding by Good Work Changes Lives to support HEMI’s student scholarship fund. This grant is sponsored by The United Way of Greater Cincinnati and was awarded for strong community impact. 

For more information about becoming a mentor or to learn more about HEMI, contact Sarah Mangan at HEMImentors@uc.edu or (513) 556-3045.