The Program


	Upon its inception in 1998, Invest in Kids began mentoring third, sixth, and ninth grade learners. Our students are from low-income households, and most are from families with minimal college experience. In June 2002, seventeen of the original students that entered the program in ninth grade graduated from high school. Fifteen of these high school graduates are currently in college, and eleven additional students graduated in June 2005 and several are attending college now. Our graduates have said that the Invest in Kids program made them feel more valued as students, helped them appreciate their high school opportunities, and gave them a foundation from which to pursue their personal goals and aspirations. At present we serve students from eighth through twelfth grades. Invest in Kids is a comprehensive, long-term advocacy program with five pillars of support: the student, parent or guardian, mentor, teachers, and our staff. Founded in Contra Costa County in 1998, Invest in Kids is a project of Healing Our Nation from Violence, a non-profit corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) status. All contributions are fully tax-deductible. To name only a few, our Advisory Board includes Congressman George Miller, State Senator Tom Torlakson, County Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier, Justice Maria Rivera, and our founding Director, Ellen Augustine Schwartz. Student Community Service: Invest in Kids' students are also asked to participate in some level of community service each year they are in the program to solidify a sense of social responsibility and encourage our students to give something back for all they have been given in the program. Invest in Kids serves students in the following schools: *Central Contra Costa County* Mt. Diablo High, Clayton Valley High, Deer Valley High, Freedom High, and Las Lomas High School *West Contra Costa County* Middle College High and Pinole Valley High