Coffeyville Community College (CCC) and the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas are excited to announce a collaborative effort to foster mentorship and academic support for college students and local club kids. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering the youth in our community through education, guidance, and positive role modeling. 

The Ravens Blue Force Mentorship Program aims to create a connection between college students and young members of the Boys and Girls Club, providing a platform for impactful mentorship, guidance, and personal development. The program is designed to build a supportive network that promotes academic success, personal growth, and community engagement.

Key features of the program include personalized one-on-one mentorship pairings, group activities, and collaborative projects aimed at enriching the educational experience for all participants. College students from Coffeyville Community College will serve as mentors,  offering valuable guidance, inspiration, and insights into navigating higher education. 

Dr. Marlon Thornburg, President of Coffeyville Community College, expressed excitement about the collaborative effort,  stating, "At CCC, we recognize the transformative power of education and mentorship. Through our partnership with the  Boys and Girls Club, we aspire to create a nurturing environment where our college students can share their knowledge and experiences with the younger members of our community. Together, we can inspire academic achievement and  personal growth." 

The Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas Executive Director/CEO Griffin Walker echoed these sentiments: "We are delighted to collaborate with Coffeyville Community College on the Ravens Blue Force Mentorship Program. This initiative aligns with our mission to empower all young people to reach their full potential. The mentorship and support from  college mentors can significantly impact the lives of our club kids, fostering a sense of purpose and confidence for their  future." 

Creating the Ravens Blue Force Mentorship Program, in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas,  holds immense significance in providing the college students at Coffeyville Community College with a meaningful avenue to give back to the community while offering them purposeful meaning as a mentor. 

“This partnership encourages our students to be positive role models and instills a sense of pride and connection to  Coffeyville. By showcasing the educational journey from kindergarten through college, all within the community, we aspire to inspire our local club kids to envision a future where pursuing higher education is attainable and a celebrated part of their personal growth. We believe this mentorship initiative will provide guidance and support and create local heroes for our youth to look up to, with mentors becoming celebrated figures in the community, demonstrating excellence in  

academics and extracurricular activities at Coffeyville Community College. We hope this collaboration will foster a sense of community pride and academic achievement for generations to come,” said Marketing Director Ashley Tatman, the liaison between the college and the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas – Coffeyville. 

The official launch event for the Ravens Blue Force Mentorship Program is scheduled for early March. The kick-off will include an introduction to mentorship pairs and their families, a movie, and popcorn. The deadline for CCC students and  Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas kids applications to be turned in is February 23, 2024.