Shenandoah Expands College Mentoring Program With HCCF Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026Shenandoah Expands College Mentoring Program With HCCF Grant
MIDDLETOWN, Ind. — Shenandoah School Corporation has received a grant from the Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF) through its 2026 Fall Grant Cycle to continue a one-on-one college mentoring program for college-bound high school students. Through College Contact, participating students receive 50 hours of personalized coaching from a current college student, helping them navigate the transition from high school to college. The HCCF Board of Directors approved the grant at its October 27 meeting.
With the Foundation's support, Shenandoah expects to serve 10 to 20 high school students through the program during the winter and spring of 2027.
Superintendent Jake Wiese said the grant will make a lasting difference for students.
"Thanks to the Henry County Community Foundation, more of our students will have a mentor who has just walked the path they're about to take. That kind of guidance can change how a student sees their future."
The program originated following Shenandoah High School's recognition as a 2024-25 ESEA Indiana Distinguished School. During a national conference in Austin, Texas, school leaders connected with College Contact, an organization that pairs high school students with trained college mentors. Shenandoah initially used a portion of its ESEA award funds to provide the program to 12 students. Following positive results, the district sought additional funding to continue the opportunity for future students.
Mentoring begins during the spring of a student's junior year and continues through graduation. Each participant completes a personality profile and is matched with a college student who shares similar interests and attends the type of college the participant is considering.
Mentors help students:
Explore colleges that align with their interests and goals.
Navigate college applications and scholarship opportunities.
Plan college coursework and class schedules.
Develop time-management and organizational skills.
Gain insight into campus life and the college experience.
The program complements the support students already receive from school counselors and teachers by providing a personal connection with someone currently experiencing college life. Through these relationships, students gain practical guidance, greater confidence, and exposure to opportunities beyond Henry County.
"Our students already have great counselors and teachers, but hearing from someone a few steps ahead of them makes college feel possible," said Chandler Cross, Shenandoah's director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. "This grant helps us make that connection for more students."
Shenandoah School Corporation appreciates the Henry County Community Foundation's continued investment in local students and its commitment to expanding educational opportunities throughout the community.
About the Henry County Community Foundation
Founded in 1985 as a resource and steward in philanthropy, the Henry County Community Foundation manages nearly $62 million in charitable assets and 603 individual funds, each supporting the unique charitable intent of the donor who established it. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $33 million in grants and scholarships and is a National Standards-certified community foundation.
About Shenandoah School Corporation
Shenandoah School Corporation, located in Middletown, Indiana, is committed to providing a high-quality, student-centered education that prepares every student for success. Guided by its mission of "Meeting students where they are and leading them forward...every student, every day," Shenandoah serves students through its elementary, middle, and high school programs, with a focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and meaningful opportunities for the future. Grounded in its Five Promises — Be Shenandoah, Service, Care, Innovate, Develop & Grow, and Win Together — the district strives to be Indiana's premier school district.
Media Contact:
Jake Wiese
Shenandoah School Corporation