The TeamMates Program currently provides a mentor for over 7,000 youth across Nebraska and Iowa. Founded by Tom and Nancy Osborn in 1991, the Teammates Mentoring Program provides support and encouragement to school-aged youth. The goal of the program is to see students graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education. To reach this goal youth meet one hour per week with a caring adult who serves as a mentor, giving the student a sense of hope, purpose and vision.

TeamMates Mentoring Program’s commitment to helping youth extends beyond high school graduation to support mentees as they pursue their post-secondary education. Post-Secondary support gives mentees and mentors valuable insight on college prep, scholarship resources, career planning, application procedures, college entrance requirements, personal essays and much more.

It is through TeamMates Post-Secondary Support that the Mentors Foundation works with more than 100 mentors and mentees to assist students as they transition to the next level of education. Meet two of the TeamMates who received a Mentors Foundation scholarship.

DOMINIQUE SWANSON

I am currently completing my undergraduate studies at Morningside College. This semester I will be a sophomore, and while I am still very fresh in my college years I have had many wonderful experiences and look forward to continuing to pursue my goals.

This coming year will be challenging but exciting for me as I balance my classes, campus organizations, and new position as a Resident Assistant. I intend to double major in Business Administration and Corporate Communications with the goal of working as an event coordinator for an organization someday.

I will also be pursuing another passion of mine, which is traveling. I plan to apply to study abroad in a special program that takes a select group of students to Italy for a semester. I have already been fortunate to do a fair amount of traveling in my lifetime to places including Germany and Japan and I hope to continue this trend throughout my life to build on my interest and knowledge of other cultures and customs.

Thanks to the Mentors Foundation and my mentor I am confident in my ability to excel in college and achieve my many goals. I plan to give back to the Foundation by becoming a mentor to middle school students, as well as recruiting others from my college to also become mentors. I have so much respect and admiration for all those involved with the Mentors Foundation and will forever appreciate all that they are doing for me.

CHEYENNE SVENSEN

For the last six months I have dedicated my journal to writing detailed descriptions of just how much the support of the Mentors Program and my mentor, Stephanie, have changed my life forever. Unfortunately even my journal will not be able to fully reflect the changes in my life over this last year, but here are the highlights.

I have been in Teammates since I was 13 years old. I am now 19 and with my fourth mentor. This program built my self confidence in ways I can never repay. Stephanie and I email each other regularly, just to talk about life and its obstacles.

When I was hopeless and without direction, Teammates was there to build me back up mentally, fiscally, and financially. With the support of the Mentors Foundation and the computer they provided, I was able to find a great job close to campus and my home. Now I have saved enough money to fix my car and I am worry free.

Teammates and the Mentors Foundation are by far the most amazing programs I have ever known. Last semester I traveled to middle schools and spoke to students about the tremendous value of mentoring. I am confident in my ability to pave my way in this world all the while impacting others with the same support you all have given me. Thank you!

Hi, Stephanie here. The support of Mentors Foundation has had a ripple effect on Cheyenne’s life and those around her. I would just like to say thank you all for the hard work you do. Cheyenne has flourished this last year. She pays for everything on her own; her duplex, car, clothing, food and much more. She also donates her time to the girls in BoysTown here in Omaha. Again, THANK YOU ALL!!