For our third challenge of the 2024-2025 program year, we partnered with the Center for Success Network (CFSN), a nonprofit that unites literacy and community to empower students in the journey of education. Teams of Fellows created recommendations and tangible work products to expand mentorship through different aspects of the mentorship process.  Fellows worked alongside Center for Success Network – Andrea Meyer, Heidi Miller, Ingrid White, Maddie Toro, Shanelle Mitchell, Tina Perkins and Adrianne Jackson – as well as engaged with stakeholders, including mentors, board members, caregivers and youth. Learn more about the project from the Fellow perspective! 

What does it mean to feel truly seen? Our team set out to answer this through the lens of mentor appreciation with Center for Success. Guided by the prompt, “How might we better ensure mentors feel valued and appreciated?” We designed milestone tools and meaningful events that honor the unique connections mentors build with students. From birthday boards and mentee thermometers to a Community Book Drive and Book Swap, every idea was inspired by what mentors, mentees, caregivers and CFSN said mattered most: witnessing student growth and feeling part of a shared journey.

One mentor, Heather Storey, shared, “Anyone who hasn’t mentored a child yet should… so they can see how much it truly changes the child’s life.” That sentiment anchored our approach. Working alongside the passionate CFSN team liaisons Adrienne, Andrea, and Shanelle was amazing—we felt a deep alignment between intention and impact. Their unwavering support reminded us that appreciation is not just a gesture, but a way to sustain community stewardship. Together, we created tools not just for recognition—but for lasting inspiration.

Fellows: Reu’el Richardson, Dana Anderson, Reem Rizk, Kaleeyse Martinez, Eman Azrak

Get a glimpse of the project presentation where Fellows presented to our partners, their stakeholders, and host companies here.

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