Moms Mentoring Moms is founded by former teen mothers who are current students or graduates of Mills College and who received their leadership training from the Mills Institute for Civic Leadership.  The program’s goal is to encourage and help teen mothers complete high school and pursue higher education.  Each participant in the Mom Mentoring Moms program is matched with a mentor, all successful students experienced in balancing the demands of college and family.

Moms Mentoring Moms

Over the course of a year, teen moms are matched with college student mentors, who engage their mentees in individual and group meetings, held at Brighter Beginnings’ Family Support Center in Oakland and also on campus at Mills College.  Childcare is provided at group meetings.  Mentors and mentees share dinner, discuss goals and challenges and contribute to the design of the developing program.

Realizing the Potential of Each Participant

In the first “pilot” session of Moms Mentoring Moms, participants shared their experiences trying to secure stable and affordable housing, struggling to stay in school through their pregnancies and looking for jobs that provide the right balance between good wages and kid and school friendly work schedules.  Each participant has already overcome more obstacles before the age of 20 than most face in a lifetime.  Their stories are those of remarkable triumphs and enormous potential.  As the program continues, the goal of Moms Mentoring Moms is to help them realize that potential.

Throughout the school year, Moms Mentoring Moms will provide academic workshops, individual college advising, parenting workshops and one-on-one mentoring.  Participants can also look forward to enjoying field trips to local campuses, as well as recreational outings with the whole family.

Program Contact Information

For more information regarding Moms Mentoring Moms, contact Martha Braithwaite at (510) 903-7518 or call toll-free at 877-427-7134.