The HEMI program provides long-term academic mentoring for youth in foster care in Hamilton County, aiming to increase their awareness of and preparation for post-secondary education. Mentors are volunteers who serve as educational consultants, matching with mentees who are high school students. The focus is on exploring post-secondary options and providing support through the application and financial aid process. The program has had success in graduating mentees and maintaining relationships that support their transition to independence.

1. Presented By: Monica Benton, Hamilton County Job and Family Services Ongoing Caseworker & Educational Liaison Annie Dick, HEMI Program Coordinator Sarah Mangan, Hamilton County Job and Family Services Ongoing Caseworker & Educational Liaison

2. Our Mission The Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) provides Hamilton County youth a long term academic mentoring relationship that begins in high school and is focused on awareness of, and preparation for post-secondary education and training.

3. The Partnership

4. The Need According to a 2004 Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care report: 25 percent are incarcerated within the first two years of emancipation 20 percent become homeless 58 percent complete high school; compared to 87 percent of the general population 3 percent earn college degrees; compared to 28 percent of the general population

5. Barriers to Education Lack of Family Support Struggles to Achieve basic survival Awareness Lack of Preparation

6. Who? Mentors are volunteers and serve as educational consultants Recruitment Selection Process Mentees are high school students under the care of Hamilton County Matching Process

7. The Focus Exploring post-secondary education options ACT/SAT preparation (p. 55*) College tours College applications (p.73*) FAFSA (p.93*) Scholarship opportunities (p. 105*) Tutoring Support * For further information, please reference: “It’s My Life: Postsecondary Education and Training: A resource for child welfare professionals,” Casey Family Programs, 2006, pages 55-116.

8. Relationships Kids in School Rule Cincinnati State Great Oaks University of Cincinnati

9. Participants 41 Students: 3 sophomores (7%) 18 juniors (45%) 13 seniors (33%) 7 college freshman (18%) Ages 15-20 41 Mentors: 31 women 10 men Ages 25-72 57% Masters Degree 30% Bachelors Degree

10. Successes Graduates Service Learning Maintaining Volunteers Relationships within Education Relationships with Caseworkers Relationships with Youth

11. What is to Come? Transitioning into higher ed Assimilating into campus life Emancipation/ Independence Ohio REACH liaisons

12. What we Need Support Awareness Identifiable contacts at all schools

13. Questions? Comments? Contact Us: Monica Benton (513) 946-1520 [email_address] Annie Dick (513) 556-4368 [email_address] Sarah Mangan (513) 946-1955 [email_address]