About Us

BloomingKids is a mentoring program that pairs Indiana University student volunteers with elementary school children in one-on-one mentoring relationships. These "buddy" friendships bring students together throughout their weekly experiences at the Indiana University campus in Bloomington. Together, the college students and children are given the opportunity to take part in community service, learn about numerous aspects of higher education, and be exposed to the various cultures that IU accommodates. BloomingKids currently serves 60 children from the Bloomington area and has 80 college student volunteers.

It is the hope of BloomingKids that sharing such experiences will foster a special friendship between the children and mentors. Exposure to the community's needs and cultural opportunities will enhance the young people's sense of self and give them a greater understanding of their role within the world. Providing elementary school children in the Bloomington community with direct contact to the University and a relationship to an Indiana University student will aid their sense of direction and help them see college as an attainable goal. In addition, BloomingKids is uniquely structured for college students to share special experiences with a young person without disrupting their college career. BloomingKids is an ideal opportunity for Indiana University students to become involved with a worthy community service program in Bloomington.

BloomingKids was created in 1996. It was the first of twelve chapters in the statewide organization, College Mentors For Kids! Inc. This organization is the only one of its kind in Indiana as well as the United States. College Mentors for Kids! is a certified 501 (c) (3) organization.