Updates, reflections, and real-life moments from our neighborhoods, our team, and the kids we serve.
The MentorKids Blog
Welcome to the MentorKids Blog—home to MentorMoments, special announcements, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections from our staff and students. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, we hope these updates bring you closer to the heart of our mission: building leaders who build leaders.
Beaty Martinez Foundation Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA is honored to receive a generous grant from the Beaty Martinez Foundation in support of its LEAD After-School Program, which provides critical academic enrichment and leadership development for under-resourced students. This investment will help sustain and expand programming that supports students’ educational, social, emotional, and spiritual growth—ensuring every child has access to the tools and mentorship they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Gila River Indian Community Awards Grant to MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA has been awarded a grant from the Gila River Indian Community State Shared Revenue Program to support its iLEAD My Generation program—a four-year leadership initiative that equips high school students to mentor younger peers, gain job skills, and become confident community leaders.
MentorKids USA Receives Grant from The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation
We’re honored to announce that MentorKids USA has received a generous grant from The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation in support of our Tempe Promise Neighborhood—our fifth Promise Neighborhood launched in January 2025. This investment will help provide critical academic support, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities to students and families in Tempe.
Executive Council Charities Awards $2,400 Grant to MentorKids USA
“Executive Council Charities’ investment directly supports the students we serve, many of whom face significant barriers such as poverty, unstable family environments, and limited access to resources,” said Audrey Gallinger, Grants Manager at MentorKids USA. “This grant will help ensure these youth receive the support and tools they need to realize their potential.”
Celebrating Faithful Leadership and a Strong Future at MentorKids USA
MentorKids USA celebrates a season of faithful leadership and new beginnings. After seven years of dedicated service as Board Chair, Tammy Valdez passes the baton to Diane Erhart, who will lead us into a new era of growth and impact. Join us in thanking Tammy for her servant leadership and welcoming Diane into her new role as we continue building leaders who build leaders.
$25K Grant Helps MentorKids Teens Lead the Way
With this grant, more teens in our Promise Neighborhoods will step into leadership.
“We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this generous investment in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “This funding will allow us to deepen our impact and expand opportunities for students to become confident, capable leaders in their families and communities.”
Introducing Our Fresh New Look for iLEAD and iLEAD Launch
New Look, Same Mission
We’ve refreshed the iLEAD and iLEAD Launch branding to reflect the bold, transformative leadership our students embody. Take a look at the new design and see how your support continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow.