Covington-Based C-Forward Supports National Mentoring Month with $15,000 Donation to Partners For Change
Contribution supports evidence-based mentoring program that promotes student success and well-being across Northern-Kentucky River City Schools
COVINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 14, 2026 — Partners For Change (PFC) is proud to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from Covington, Kentucky–based C-Forward in support of its Mentoring Program. This generous investment will strengthen PFC’s efforts to provide meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships for youth, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in school districts across the River Cities of Northern Kentucky.
Mentoring is a cornerstone of strong communities and a powerful pathway to brighter futures. Each January, National Mentoring Month shines a spotlight on the importance of mentoring relationships. Launched in 2002 by MENTOR in partnership with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, National Mentoring Month aims to amplify awareness, encourage participation, and expand access to mentoring opportunities for young people nationwide.
The goals of National Mentoring Month include:
Raising awareness of mentoring in its many forms
Recruiting individuals to serve as mentors, particularly in programs with waiting lists
Encouraging organizations and businesses to engage their communities in mentoring efforts
Partners For Change’s Mentoring Program connects young people with caring, trained adult mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and stability during critical stages of development. Currently, Partners For Change partners with Erlanger-Elsmere, Covington, and Dayton Independent School Districts to deliver mentoring programs that support students across the River Cities of Northern Kentucky. Through consistent, relationship-based support, mentors help youth build confidence, develop life skills, and navigate challenges both in and out of school. Through consistent, relationship-based support, mentors help youth build confidence, develop life skills, and navigate challenges both in and out of school.
Research underscores the impact of these relationships. According to mentoring.org, youth with mentors are:
More likely to feel supported in their overall well-being, with 58% reporting that their mentor supported their mental health
22% more likely to experience a strong sense of belonging while growing up
More confident in their ability to tackle academic challenges
85% more likely to say their mentor helped them with issues related to school and education
“We are incredibly grateful to C-Forward for their commitment to mentoring and youth development,” said Stacie Strotman, President/CEO of Partners For Change. “This funding allows us to continue expanding access to high-quality mentoring relationships that make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Our programming is unique in that it prioritizes consistent, one-on-one interaction with a trusted adult role model.”
“I’ve seen firsthand how impactful wraparound services can be for students and their families,” said Brent Cooper, CEO of C-Forward. “Across River Cities schools, many students are navigating significant economic challenges, yet outcomes remain strong when students are supported both in and out of the classroom. When young people have access to healthcare, dental care, nutritious meals, after-school programs, and mentors from the business community, they are better positioned to succeed. C-Forward believes in showing up for our community beyond the IT services we provide. Investing in mentorship and comprehensive support is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that. This mentoring program is creating real opportunity for students throughout Northern Kentucky’s urban core.”
The $15,000 grant will directly support mentor recruitment, training, and ongoing match support, ensuring mentors and mentees have the resources needed to build strong, sustainable relationships.
C-Forward’s support reflects a shared belief in the power of mentorship to create positive change and strengthen communities. Together, C-Forward and Partners For Change are investing in young people—and in the relationships that help them reach their full potential.
To learn more about Partners For Change, its Mentoring Program, or to apply to become a mentor, visit www.partnersforchange.org.
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About Partners For Change
Partners For Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening students, families, and communities across Northern Kentucky. For 25 years, the organization supported students and families as Covington Partners. Now, as Partners For Change, the organization is expanding its reach to create stronger, more connected school communities throughout the region.
Partners For Change works side by side with school districts to enhance out-of-school time programming, mentoring, and family engagement—bringing added capacity, expertise, and resources without replacing what is already working. Through collaborative, community-informed partnerships, Partners For Change co-creates programs that align with district goals and respond to the unique needs of each school community.
By fostering meaningful relationships and providing comprehensive support, Partners For Change helps ensure every student and family has the tools they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and beyond. For more information, visit www.partnersforchange.org .
About C-Forward
C-Forward is an employee-owned (ESOP) managed IT services provider (MSP) headquartered in Covington, Kentucky. Over the past 26 years, C-Forward has lived up to its mission of providing quality, cost effective, and innovative IT services. Boasting a client retention rate of over 98%, and an employee retention rate of over 95%, C-Forward has been recognized as one of the country’s top MSP’s, earning a place on the MSP 501 list of the world’s leading managed service providers. C-Forward has also received multiple regional honors over the years, including receiving the NKY Chamber’s Business Impact Award, the BBB Torch Award, and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Community Involvement Award. These recognitions reflect the company’s commitment to integrity, service, and community impact while providing reliable IT support, cybersecurity, and technology solutions. To learn more about C-Forward, visit them at www.cforward.com.
