On average, only 10% of low-income students in the Dayton area earn a college degree. For the young adults admitted into Montgomery County’s College Promise program, that number jumps to 65%. Since 2010, College Promise has helped high-achieving students from underserved communities succeed through long-term support.
That support starts with weekly one-on-one mentorship throughout four years of high school. It ends with a scholarship covering most, if not all, of their college expenses.
Since the program’s launch, Kids & Community Partners has contributed roughly $1 million, helping fund life-changing scholarships. That investment is fueled by the hard work of associates across the company, but our commitment does not stop there.
To date, 30 associates have stepped up as mentors, including partner and director of Kids & Community Partners Ryan Ernst and transaction lead Dakota Hoffman.
Dakota first heard about College Promise last year after a memo from Ryan, who was looking for associates interested in becoming mentors for the 2024-2025 school year.
“I wanted to do my own research,” Dakota said. “I thought, if I’m going to commit to this, I want to be all in. I want to be the best mentor I can possibly be.”
One year in, Dakota is building a foundation of trust with her mentee, Gracie, who just completed her freshman year. Their time together each week covers everything from managing a busy class schedule and cheer practice to navigating high school friendships and college planning.
“I take so much pride in being someone she can count on,” Dakota said. “Some days, we’re talking through how to handle a conflict with a classmate. Other days, it’s whether or not she should take on a leadership role on the cheer team.”
As their bond has grown, so has Dakota’s appreciation for the consistency it brings, not just for Gracie, but for her as well.
“I’m naturally a helper,” said Dakota. “I like to leave someone better than I found them. Having that date and time every week when I know I can step out of the office and make a real impact on someone has been extremely rewarding.”
Dakota’s time and consistency are making a difference. It is evident not just in Gracie’s growth, but in the appreciation of those closest to her.
“Gracie’s mom once told me, ‘We’re so grateful for you. I’m just glad she has someone else in her life to count on.’ That meant everything to me,” said Dakota.
Before helping to lead our non-profit arm, Ryan served as a College Promise mentor more than a decade ago. Since 2013, Ryan has mentored three students, including his most recent mentee, Matthew.
“Every kid I’ve mentored needed something different,” said Ryan. “My first mentee, Steven, needed someone to reinforce that college was the right path. The next, Wilson, needed encouragement, and Matthew needed someone to hold him accountable.”
Last month, Matthew graduated high school, and Ryan was there to watch him walk onto the stage. During his graduation speech, Matthew reminded everyone that the diploma was not the finish line, but the starting line, and Ryan agreed. For Ryan, the real milestone comes in four years when Matthew earns his college degree.
“I can’t wait to see it come to fruition,” said Ryan. “I want to keep showing up for Matthew. I really enjoy spending time with him, and I know how valuable some extra support can be in college.”
Twelve years in and Ryan’s commitment has not faded. He still keeps in touch with both of his former mentees. He is involved not because he has to be, but because he believes in the program.
“I believe in college education,” said Ryan. “I was a first-generation college student. I know the difference it made in my life, and I always want to be involved in helping others have that same opportunity. If you can move the needle even a little, it can be transformative for these kids.”
Want to Make a Difference? Here’s Your Chance.
At The Connor Group, contributing to transformative programs like College Promise is not just something we do, it is part of our purpose. Every associate who performs at an elite level plays a role. And for those in the Dayton area, they can extend that impact even further.
College Promise is currently recruiting mentors for their next class of incoming freshmen. Every student in the program is paired with a mentor, and all it takes is your time and energy to make a difference. Prospective mentors can start by filling out an online application here.