Higher Education Mentoring Program

Higher Education Mentoring (HEM) is a College Readiness program of the Orange County Bar Foundation. Developed in 2002, as a single gender curriculum to motivate Latinas to graduate from high school, the two-year curriculum now targets both girls and boys attending Santa Ana High Schools, and prepares them for college life. The boys program was piloted during 2009/10 with five students and three mentors. We are so proud of our first male graduates: Juan Meza, Christian Vasquez, Nico Ruan and Eric Hernandez, Class of 2011!

The programs are unique in matching Junior and Senior participants with a Latino university student or role model who is familiar with the culture, has overcome traditional barriers and knows first hand what it takes to succeed in an institution of higher learning.

Participants are provided with individual and group mentoring geared towards academic growth and development. The after school program works with approximately 40 students each year, providing needed skills through monthly workshops, guest speakers and local college campus tours, all designed to build upon one another. Currently there are over 69 university students that have completed the HEM program and are participating as Alumni of HEM. Many serve as Mentors or volunteer speakers giving their time to enhance the college experience of a younger Latino who shares his/her same goal of higher education. Each Mentor is screened and provided with training and guidance. He/She arranges to meet with his/her mentee individually or in small groups to assist with researching colleges and majors, completing admissions applications, scholarships and financial aid, and to motivate and encourage.

Parent involvement is key. Orientation is provided each year to benefit the parent(s) and new participants. Parents are invited to attend all monthly workshops as well as quarterly "Platicas" given in Spanish. Bilingual/bicultural program staff is available to provide parental support that motivates and assists each parent as they navigate the educational system in support of their sons and daughters. Parents of past participants have become a support group speaking at workshops and providing Q&A sessions for new parents.

The Higher Education Mentoring Program has had tremendous success guiding young students to pursue their dreams of attending institutions of higher learning. Upon completion of the program Graduates are recognized at a congratulatory celebration and receive "dorm kits" and backpacks filled with educational supplies provided by OCBF board members and sponsoring firms, to start them on their journey to becoming tomorrow's leaders.

Carolyn McKitterick Scholarship Fund
	The Carolyn McKitterick Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 by Gary and Carolyn McKitterick to assist young Latinos in their pursue of a higher education. Isabel Cardenas from Segerstrom High School is the second year Carolyn McKitterick Scholarship Recipient. In Fall 2011, she will be attending Stanford University.
	"I will attend Stanford University and major in Earth Systems and Natural Resources. I do community service through my school's Kiwins Club and at the Santa Ana Zoo as a Zoo Ambassador. I am a participant of the Renaissance Club, Academic Quiz Bowl, MESA, Arts & Crafts Club, and the California Scholarship Federation. I received both the AP Scholar with Honors Award and the National Hispanic Recognition Program from the College Board." -Isabel Cardenas

HEM participants gathered for Graduation and College Access Scholarship Awards presentation.

The Orange County Bar Foundation Higher Education Mentoring Program awarded sixteen four-year renewable scholarships at the program graduation. The scholarships were made possible through funding received from the College Access Foundation of California.

Annual Career Fair

OCBF's Sixth Annual Career Fair was held on Saturday, April 2 at the McFadden Library Learning Center. The event provided a great opportunity to learn about a variety of careers and speak to professionals in the field about their educational background and what their day is like on the job. Audience members networked at the Career Information Tables which  included: Social Work, Entertainment, Management, Make-Up Artist, Engineering, Finance, Computer Science, and Law Enforcement.

Student Spotlight

Jannet Sanchez is a 2010 HEM Graduate. She is about to complete her first year at Wellesley College where she is majoring in Economics. Jannet did not just move out to live on-campus. She is attending college in another state.

What Jannet had to say about her experience: "After living 18 years of life in sunny southern California, I never thought I would experience changing leaves in fall, temperatures below 10 degrees, or snowstorm warnings. After receiving my Wellesley College acceptance letter in April, I knew these experiences would be the norm for the following 4 years. Moving 3000 miles away from home was difficult, but nonetheless rewarding. In my first semester, I moved into a cozy dorm, made friends from around the world, attended insightful classes with brilliant professors, explored the city of Boston, and flourished emotionally and mentally. Wellesley College has become my home away from home; it has already offered me valuable resources that will carry on with me as I strive to earn an Economics major and Women and Gender Studies minor. I advise all students to not shy away from single gender, east coast, or private colleges because it might just be the perfect college for them, as Wellesley College turned out to be for me."