NBA Foundation: Students have the help they need with iMentor
iMentor was selected as one of the grant recipients by the NBA Foundation.
The transition from high school, through college and into the workforce is laden with unforeseen challenges. However, with iMentor’s assistance, students and young adults are no longer left to traverse these complex paths unaccompanied.
iMentor is a national non-profit organization that connects and empowers young people through mentors. iMentor matches every student in a partnered school with a mentor. The program starts when the student is in 11th grade and continues for two years after high school graduation.
The NBA Foundation, which is the league’s inaugural charitable organization aimed at promoting economic opportunities for Black youth, selected iMentor as one of the beneficiaries of its grants.
“Celine Patel, iMentor’s chief external officer, stated, ‘Our objective is to establish mentoring relationships that empower first-generation college students to chase their dream college. Our program manager, an iMentor staff member, works directly in schools teaching about careers, financial literacy, resume building, and everything else we know a student requires to pursue a significant career, which is our ultimate aim. The power behind this is that students are not only learning in the classroom but also gaining practical experience with their mentors.”
Students and their mentors from the iMentor program, which is one of the grant recipients of the NBA Foundation, go to a Chicago Bulls game.
Every week, the students engage in online meetings with their mentors and also meet in person once a month. They have the option to maintain their mentor-student relationship through to their college graduation if they wish to do so.
“Mentors have the power to unlock opportunities for the youth with their wisdom, proficiency, and advice,” stated Katie Longofono, the National Development Associate Director for iMentor. “They act as cheerleaders and advocates for the students,” she added.
Since its establishment in 1999, iMentor has paired more than 38,000 students across the nation with mentors. This organization provides services to students in Baltimore, the Bay Area, Chicago, and New York.
Numerous new initiatives have been launched by iMentor, thanks to the partnership with the NBA Foundation.
“Working with the NBA Foundation has been a fantastic experience,” said Longofono. “Our collaboration with the NBA began at a time when we were focusing on how to assist students in considering their future careers. Over the last few years, we’ve come to understand the importance of coupling college with career. You can lead someone to college, but they might be unsure of their career path. They may not know what a fulfilling career entails and how their education can directly relate to it. The NBA has been instrumental in supporting our workshops on interviewing, resume writing, updating LinkedIn profiles, personal brand development, and job applications.”
iMentor is present to make a difference in a student’s life during major milestones and transition points such as high school, college and career selection.
“Supporting iMentor in their endeavor to establish strong mentorship bonds for Black youth nationwide is a matter of pride for us,” stated Greg Taylor, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation. He further added, “iMentor’s successful model of providing young individuals with the necessary resources to enroll and excel in college is truly inspiring. We eagerly anticipate the growth of their efforts.”
Click here to learn more about iMentor and volunteer.
