Arts and Sciences student Commodore Williams and fellow Buckeye DaVonti’ Haynes are leading the first class of mentors-protégés in the new Mentor-A-Buckeye Program, sponsored by Ohio State’s Office of Student Life.

Mentor-A-Buckeye pairs ninth graders from Columbus City Schools—this year’s protégés are from Whetstone High School— with an Ohio State undergraduate student mentor and a community leader. Each mentor-protégé “family” will remain together throughout the protégé's high school career.

“The goal of the program is to motivate urban school students to achieve their full potential through education, inspiration and motivation,” said Williams, first year student from Pittsburgh, majoring in international studies, and co-coordinator of the program.

DaVonti' Haynes, a third year student from Cleveland majoring in public affairs with a minor in political science, and co-coordinator of the program with Williams, founded Ohio State’s daylong mentor program, “A Day in the Life of a Buckeye.”

“We’re not here to convince these young students to come to Ohio State,” said Haynes. “Rather, we want to work with them to build the skills and confidence necessary to start thinking about college, period.”

The Mentor-A-Buckeye program requires a long commitment, on both sides.

Ohio State students and their protégés are required to meet twice a month during the academic year and over the summer. The idea being that over time, relationships will deepen and both students and their protégés will graduate with life learning experiences that will follow them throughout their lives.  

“When I was in high school, I was fortunate to attend a program like this,” said Haynes. “I got to meet college kids one-on-one and see what classes were like and what a college environment felt like. It really mattered.”

Williams became involved in the program after volunteering in other programs in Student Life.

“I hope to impart my experiences and wisdom to my protégé, in the hope that they will be better equipped to handle challenges they have that are similar to ones I went through,” said Williams.

The 2018 Mentor-A-Buckeye cohort includes 10 ninth-graders from Whetstone High School and the same number of Ohio State students (primarily first-year). All of the community leaders, except one, are Ohio State alumni, and their backgrounds span social work, teaching, law, banking and community service.

Anthony Walker II has been paired with Williams.

“I’ve always talked about coming to Ohio State,” said Walker, a young football player and tenor.

Williams believes that every child should have access to a college education.

“We have the opportunity to change a child's life for the better, why wouldn't we?” asked Williams. “Giving kids the tools that can be used to navigate high school and even the college application and selection process is an amazing mission and I'm proud to be a part of it.”

Rayshon Walker has been assigned to Haynes. A member of Whetstone High School’s basketball team, Walker is interested in honing his skills as a creative writer.

As with all students, food is the common denominator. Williams and Haynes have already made plans for a special dinner over the summer and a cookout in the fall. In the meantime, they will be meeting with their protégés on campus and at locations around the city.

“I hope that Rayshon is able to gain a better understanding of the higher education system and why it is so important for him to pursue an education beyond high school,” said Haynes. “I totally see our relationship continuing beyond his graduation. I want to be there, not only to witness him graduate high school but, to see him graduate college. I want to be there to push him, motivate him and support him and vice versa as he will be a motivating factor for me, a constant reminder of why I am doing what I am and why I can't stop.”

Williams is a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and works for the Office of Student Life's Department of Social Change. He is also a part of the International Affairs Scholars program.

Haynes is involved with Undergraduate Student Government, STEP Ambassadors, the Bell Resource Center on the African American Male Ambassadors and works for the Office of Student Life's Department of Social Change and the Ohio Department of Education.