Mentoring

Throughout the school year, Covington Police Department staff are mentors to elementary students at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School and Ninth District Elementary School through the Covington Partners Buddies with Badges mentoring program.  To celebrate the end of the school year, the Covington Police Department planned a special "Cops and Bobbers" fishing excursion for the students. This month, they took their student mentees to Lake Victoria in Latonia, Kentucky, where they spent the day fishing, having lunch,...

By: Elizabeth Mitchell Healy I worked in elementary schools for ten years until last year, when I moved away from the school setting and into a data role at Covington Partners. Upon leaving my school, I immediately missed the rewarding parts of my old work (being with students day to day) and began looking for ways to stay involved and provide support from outside of the building. The Mentoring Program through Covington Partners has always been a strong pillar for both the organization and the school district, and the...

This week, the first Holmes Campus Community Forum, a meeting to inform the community of funding allocated to Holmes Campus (Holmes Middle School and Holmes High School) from the Prichard Committee, as well as receive feedback from the community on how best to utilize the funds, was held. Funds will be used to expand and upgrade existing programs, while also exploring new opportunities for students and families. This work is possible through the Kentucky Community Schools Initiative, a comprehensive approach to educa...

In an effort to align with the mission of Holmes High School (HHS), To guide all students to discover, pursue, and connect with their post-secondary dreams, Covington Partners (CP) and Covington Independent Public Schools (CIPS) have collaborated to implement and facilitate a work-based mentoring program.  Currently, over forty students and eight employer sites, including Allied Construction, Covington Fire Department, DBL Law, Salyers Group, and Taft Museum of Art, participate in the successful program. Through ...

The Covington Police Department in collaboration with Covington Partners is working to connect with the youth of Covington and lead the city to a better future. Last school year, the pilot project Buddies with Badges began at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School after Covington Police Sergeant Rachel White saw an email promoting mentoring in Covington and thought she could interest her co-workers as another way to be engaged with the community. Now, the project has expanded its reach to students at Ninth District Elem...

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a holiday we look forward to, in which we celebrate all that we are grateful for, gather with loved ones, and eat plentifully with joyful abandon. For Holmes High School (HHS) junior Benedictol (Benny), this Thanksgiving was his first ever to do just that in the United States.  Born in the Goma region of the Congo and fleeing with his family at six months old to Uganda, Benny spent the first 16 years of his life surviving in the Nakivale Refugee Camp. According to Benny, “Li...

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Executive Director Stacie Strotman will lead a virtual discussion referencing Dr. Ruby K. Payne's A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Mentors often work with youth who are experiencing poverty, either directly or indirectly. This session will help volunteer mentors learn to assist student mentees with implementing cognitive strategies and actions to be successful in life. A Framework for Understanding Poverty teaches the hidden rules of economic class and spreads the message that, des...

To begin the new school year, the Covington Partners Mentoring Program led a social media campaign seeking 31 new volunteer mentors in the 31 days of August. We asked, and you listened. Thus far, 36 individuals have accepted the role of volunteer mentor, surpassing the goal of 31...but we have more students waiting for an adult role model. Can you help? Volunteer mentors have several program options from which to choose and can share their time and talents by getting involved in one (or more) of the mentoring program ...

Covington Partners is thrilled to be one of the organizations awarded a grant from Interact for Health during their first wave of community grants. As part of Interact for Health's strategic plan, they outlined several priority areas, including a strong focus on mental health, building community power, and investments in policy and systems change. Covington Partners received $115,000 from Interact for Health to support efforts to recruit diverse mentors and enhance mentor training around mental health and trauma. Th...

There is nothing like the feeling of a new school year and witnessing the smiling faces of students eager to get back to the classroom, visit with friends, and share a hug with their favorite teacher. We were thrilled to welcome back students to Covington Schools this past Monday, and along with many of our students, Covington Partners had a very busy summer!  Over 650 students attended Camp Covington. Covington Schools continues to make a large investment in our summer learning program. The financial...

Did you know that nearly 40% of at-risk youth report never having an adult mentor of any kind? That's just one reason the Covington Partners Mentoring Program is committed to working with the schools of Covington to provide positive adult mentors for students. During the month of August, the mentoring program is seeking 31 new volunteer mentors in 31 days. Mentors and students will be matched to begin meeting this fall after the start of the 23/24 school year. "I am a mentor because building up young individuals to rea...

The Covington Partners Mentoring Program is proud to honor and recognize fourteen Holmes High School graduating seniors; two of whom have been matched with their mentors for six years, two participated in the work-based mentoring program, and six served as peer mentors to freshman students through the Peer Advocacy Leader (PAL) program. These seniors are exemplary leaders who have been successful both in and outside of the classroom. They are Governor’s Scholars; top-performing athletes; artists; leaders in the...

Angela Walsh encourages her mentees’ interests – whether it's flags of other nations or learning sign language. Since being matched in January with two different children, she and her mentees have been busy learning more about each other and the world. Walsh, a retired teacher, taught Spanish, most recently at St. Joseph Elementary School in Crescent Springs. Even though she’s retired, Walsh knew she wanted to stay involved with children. That’s when she decided to become a mentor – servin...

Michael Anadio (mentor) and Fayth Griffin (10th grader) met each other six months ago through the Covington Partners Mentoring Program. Meeting weekly at Holmes High School, they have spent a lot of time learning about each other and were excited to learn more through this challenge. #GettingToKnowYou Q: What was the worst style choice you ever made? Michael: 90s baggy pants Fayth: Having a box haircut Q: What was your least favorite food as a child? Do you still hate it or do you love it now? Michael: Peas, and ...

Holmes High School students participating in the Covington Partners work-based mentoring program in partnership with DBL Law were provided the rare treat of an extensive sit-down meeting with Justice Michelle M. Keller, Supreme Court of Kentucky.  While discussing her prestigious educational and career path, Justice Keller encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity they are provided, rely on the guidance of mentors, and to stay deeply focused and committed to everything that they do. Her personal &...

K'miah is a third grade student at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School who participates in the Wildcat Club CLC and the Covington Partners Mentoring Program. K'miah's mentor has known her since kindergarten and became her mentor this school year. She says K'miah "is a ball of energy with her own very sweet and unique personality, and she brings so much fun and laughter to our mentoring match." #GettingToKnowYou Q. Would you rather visit a volcano or a rainforest? A. Rainforest –- you would get burned at a volcano! ...

Covington Police Officer Rachel White and Police Lt. Jennifer Rudolph Colemire doff their service caps while they sit chatting with two students at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School. The little group calls itself the Queen Squad, and they have tiaras to prove it. Officer White and Lt. Rudolph Colemire are part of a new Covington Partners Mentoring Program group called Buddies with Badges. The police department already has a strong relationship with the school. Their annual activities have included Crafts with Cops as pa...

It's not just basketball. Lauren Grace, campus recruiter for Northwestern Mutual, was recruited to be a mentor in the Covington Partners Mentoring Program by colleague Trent Ledbetter during March Mentor Madness. Ledbetter, board member and mentor for Covington Partners, shared his experience with the program, and that was all Grace needed. She has always enjoyed serving as a role model and knew the program would be a "great way to continue making an impact." Grace said that she decided to become a mentor "to provide...

Recently, work-based mentoring through the Covington Partners Mentoring Program expanded to the Covington Fire Department. Students and mentors enjoyed meeting each other for the first time last month, participating in leadership building activities, taking a tour of the fire station, and trying on gear. While touring, students learned a great deal about the many aspects of a career as a firefighter and the necessary steps it takes to become one.  Students participating in the program are extremely enthusiastic a...

The Covington Partners Mentoring Program is searching for Holmes High School alumni interested in becoming mentors to current HHS students. Last month, we issued the Once A Bulldog Challenge to see which graduating class can “enroll” the most mentors at Holmes. The mentoring program currently has HHS alumni representation from as early as 1959 and up to 2022, with the Class of 1998 remaining in the lead with the most mentors. If you’d like to give back to your alma mater and use your time and t...

Chris Gastright (mentor) and Christian Gates (3rd grader) are Lunch Buddies at John G. Carlisle Elementary School. Chris looks forward to his weekly sessions with Christian where he tries to be a consistent, positive influence in his life. He says that “the opportunity to mentor is one of the best things” he gets to do. They have been matched for four months and happily accepted the #IceBreakerChallenge.  Q: You have your own late night talk show. Who do you invite as your first guest? Christian: My...

Covington Partners Mentoring Program staff attended the 13th annual National Mentoring Summit, the mentoring movement's biggest event of the year, last week in Washington, D.C. Convened by MENTOR, the summit is an opportunity for mentoring practitioners, researchers, philanthropic investors, youth leaders, government and civic leaders, and affiliates from across the country to unite under the shared goal of driving positive change for young people. Attendees of the Bridging Opportunities through Mentoring Summit lea...

Glam Happy Hour was a roaring success, with bundles of new and gently preloved clothing, shoes, and accessories donated to the Fit of the Day. Now, Covington Partners, I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation, Inspired Fashion, and Master Provisions are teaming together with volunteers to sort the clothing and flip the boutique for the ultimate shopping experience for young ladies at Holmes High School.  The campaign is inspired by a conversation between Megan Jackson of Master Provisions and her mentee through the...

In America today, 7.6 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. In Covington, we are working to decrease this number by keeping kids safe, helping working families, and inspiring learning through our seven Community Learning Centers. With a Community Learning Center in each elementary school, middle school, and high school in Covington, students are able to participate in academic and enrichment activities before and after school, as well as during the summer months, in a safe and welcoming environmen...

During the month of August, the Covington Partners Mentoring Program has led a social media campaign seeking 31 new volunteer mentors in 31 days. Volunteer mentors have several program options from which to choose and can share their time and talents by getting involved in one (or more) of the mentoring program options, including working with students from elementary through high school, meeting students during lunch or after school, or becoming a community-based mentoring match. With a small commitment of only up to...

This morning during arrival for the first day of school in Covington, there were grins from ear to ear on faces of students as they ran to greet their new classroom teacher and visit with past teachers and staff.  It's been a difficult couple of years, to say the least, but Covington Partners and Covington Independent Public Schools are ready for what the 22/23 school year will bring.  We may face some challenges as we continue to move towards a greater sense of normalcy for our school community, but...

Did you know that nearly 40% of at-risk youth report never having an adult mentor of any kind? That's just one reason the Covington Partners Mentoring Program is committed to working with the schools of Covington to provide positive adult mentors for students. During the month of August, the mentoring program is seeking 31 new volunteer mentors in 31 days. Mentors and students will be matched to begin meeting this fall. "I am a mentor because building up young individuals to realize their strengths and connecting wit...

When asked to describe his mentor Frank in one word, Holmes High School senior Diontae quickly replied, “loving…tough love, but very loving.”  A retired educator himself, mentor Frank strongly believes in the importance of education as the key to success for the six young men he has mentored over the last five years (Taejuan, Kyrie, Diontae, LeShawn, Caige, and Markesis). Frank’s first question to each young man every week, is “How are your grades?”  From there, words of ...

Janis is enthusiastic and fun, but she also knows when to listen. She has volunteered for 10 years to mentor students through the Covington Partners Mentoring Program. When her son left for college, Janis decided she still had a lot to offer a teenager. In an effort to expand the world of her first mentee, she mixed adventure with everyday activities. Their outings ranged from go-cart racing and horse-back riding to painting fingernails. The two arranged outings navigating work schedules and family obligations. Over si...

Tim knows how much a mentor can help guide a protégé or young person. He says mentors were instrumental in shaping him “into the man that I am.” Over the years, Tim mentored individuals through his job and after he retired from Fidelity Investments in 2016, he decided to join a formal mentoring program after hearing an NBA athlete’s experience with mentoring.  Tim was already familiar with Covington Partners and Covington schools through his work at Fidelity, which has partnered wit...

Mentoring relationships, like that of Christy and Taysia, often continue well past high school graduation.  Taysia’s acceptance and full scholarship to Berea College were just the beginning of a whole new set of challenges and obstacles that many students face.   Mentor Christy successfully guided Taysia through the world of college admittance as well as introducing her to the “hidden curriculum” – the mix of bureaucratic know-how and sound study skills that can make or break a st...

For the second consecutive year, Covington Partners has launched a #20Mentors20Days campaign to recruit 20 new adult volunteers to serve as mentors for the upcoming school year.  The campaign will cover the next 20 days and will lead to the first day of school for Covington Independent Public Schools on August 16.  During the 2017-18 school year, 256 adult volunteers spent more than 3,900 hours mentoring students in grades 3 - 12.  Having a positive and consistent adult role model in their life helps s...

Covington, KY – January is National Mentoring Month, and this year Covington Partners is celebrating the annual campaign aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults by hosting a #ThankYourMentor Breakfast and Lunch on Thursday, January 25 at Holmes High School. “Our volunteer mentors provide an invaluable service to our students. They take the time to listen, guide and support our students both academically and personally and we...

August 3, 2017 – Covington Partners has launched a #20Mentors20Days campaign to recruit 20 new adult volunteers to serve as mentors.  The campaign will cover the next 20 days and will lead to the first day of school for Covington Independent Public Schools on August 23.  During the 2016-17 school year, 236 adult volunteers spent more than 3,800 hours mentoring students in grades 3 - 12.  Having a positive and consistent adult role model in their life helps students achieve in school – last yea...

February 17, 2017 - Covington Partners has received a $100,000 multi-year grant from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation to fund the Community Learning Center initiative in Covington Independent Public Schools. This initiative seeks to provide wrap-around support services to help students succeed in school and in life.   Covington Partners was founded in 1999 as a community coalition focused on reducing drug abuse and violence among Covington youth. Since that time, the organization has exp...

In honor of National Mentoring Month, the Covington Partners Mentoring Program celebrated Mentor Appreciation Day on Wednesday, January 25 to recognize the outstanding commitment of volunteer mentors and the impact they have on the lives of Covington students. More than 150 mentors and students celebrated throughout the day with breakfast and lunch served in the Holmes High School Library. Every week, even if for a short time, mentors give their full and undivided attention to their mentee. Data shows that these p...

June 20, 2016 - Covington Partners received a $100,000 grant from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) and from the William Riedlin, Sr. Memorial Fund and the R.C. Durr Foundation Fund to expand and enhance the Community Learning Centers initiative in Covington Independent Public Schools.   This initiative seeks to provide wrap-around support services to help students succeed in school and in life.   This is the third year that GCF has funded the Community Learning Center initiative.   C...

Covington, KY - Covington Partners will host its seventh annual golf tournament on Monday, July 25 with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12 p.m. The event, which has limited spots available, includes an 18-hole four-person scramble and will be held at the prestigious Traditions Golf Club located at 2035 Williams Road in Hebron, Kentucky. Entry into the golf outing also includes golf with cart, lunch, complimentary beverages, dinner, a silent auction, and a certificate good for a 18-hole r...

January 20, 2015 - This month will mark the 14th annual National Mentoring Month, and Covington Partners is participating in this campaign aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with positive adult role models. “Mentoring is one of the most cost-effective and research-based strategies to make a positive impact on the life of a student,” said Stacie Strotman, Executive Director of Covington Partners.  “Mentoring is linked to im...

October 6, 2014 - Covington Partners, an organization committed to supporting students and families in Covington, announced today that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the eBay Foundation Corporate Advised Fund at Silicon Valley Community Foundation.  The grant was recommended by eBay Foundation’s employee-volunteer led Kentucky GIVE Team.  Members of the Kentucky GIVE Team will present a check to Covington Partners staff on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 3 p.m.  at the local eBay office...

Joining 7,500 Nationwide Rallies Aimed at Making Afterschool Programs Available to All Covington Partners will celebrate Lights on Afterschool during the month of October by hosting four events at schools throughout the Covington district. All events are open to the families and community members of Covington. The celebrations are part of a nationwide rally known as Lights On Afterschool, in which over 7,500 events are hosted to focus on the importance of quality afterschool programming. Covington Partners staff w...

Covington, Kentucky – July 16, 2014 – This fall marks the 15th year of Covington based non-profit, Covington Partners,  an organization who partners with Covington Independent School District to reduce barriers to student achievement. To celebrate, Covington Partners will host a birthday party luncheon on Friday, August 15th from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Madison Event Center in Covington, KY.   The birthday party is being co-hosted by Brent Cooper of C-Forward, a fellow Covin...

Covington, Kentucky – June 23, 2014 – Covington Partners will host its fifth annual golf tournament on Monday, July 14 with registration beginning at 10:30am and a shotgun start at 12:30 pm. The event, which has limited spots available, includes an 18-hole four-person scramble and will be held at the prestigious Traditions Golf Club located at 2035 Williams Road in Hebron, Kentucky. Entry into the golf outing also includes golf with cart, a boxed lunch, complimentary beverages, dinner, a silent auctio...

Covington, KY – February 25, 2014 – After nearly 200 applications and in person reviews with key non-profit leaders, Cincinnati’s premier marketing and public relations firm The Eisen Agency has selected its 2014 Operation: Outreach recipients. Each non-profit organization will receive comprehensive marketing and marketing communications expertise from the professionals at The Eisen Agency, including such services as brand development, website and online development, media relations, social media...

Covington Partners has received a $25,000 grant from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation to fund a Community Learning Center (CLC) at Latonia Elementary School.  Covington Partners, formerly Covington Partners in Prevention, was founded in 1999 as a community coalition focused on reducing drug abuse and violence among Covington youth.  Since that time, the organization has expanded to include programs and services related to education, wellness, mentoring and family engagement.  P...

    Covington Partners has received a $50,000 grant from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) to fund a Community Learning Center (CLC) at Latonia Elementary School.      Covington Partners, formerly Covington Partners in Prevention, was founded in 1999 as a community coalition focused on reducing drug abuse and violence among Covington youth.  Since that time, the organization has expanded to include programs and services related to education, wellness, mentoring a...

Covington Partners is pleased to announce our 4th Annual Golf Outing will take place Monday July 15, 2013 at Traditions Golf Club in Hebron, Kentucky.    The outing is being sponsored by The Bank of Kentucky, Queensgate Foodservice, Traditions Golf Club and Lexus Rivercenter.  Brent Cooper, President of C-Forward Inc.  says, "The Covington Partners Golf outing is a terrific event!  It offers great golf at a first class venue, wonderful networking with some of the top business and civic lead...

The Covington Mentoring Program hosted a luncheon on Tuesday, April 30. The event was a major success with more than 200 mentors, students, and staff attending in support of the program and to honor the 10 seniors and their mentors. Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Lynda Jackson kicked off the event with a warm welcome and some inspiring data points about the academic strides that students have made in the past year in Covington, “We thank each of you for exploring this opportunity with Coving...