OSU Mentorship Program Supported High School Students

The REAL program now serves three Columbus high schools by connecting students with college mentors to build life skills.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of two interlocking wooden blocks on a flat surface, representing mentorship and personal growth. — The Ohio State University REAL mentorship program expanded its support to 100 high school students in Columbus, focusing on goal-setting and stress management. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe college-led mentorship programs in your area effectively improve student well-being and life skills?

The Ohio State University REAL mentorship program has expanded its support to 80 to 100 students across three local high schools. Supported by the LeBron James Family Foundation, college students lead workshops focused on goal achievement and stress management.

Why it matters

The program helps students develop self-efficacy and practical tools to manage stress, directly supporting student well-being. By teaching techniques like delayed gratification, the curriculum aims to improve long-term quality of life for participants.

Currently, 26 college students serve as mentors at Beechcroft High School, Eastmoor Academy, and East High School. The initiative is currently limited to these three sites, with plans to include two additional high schools in the future.

The players

LeBron James Family Foundation

A charitable organization focused on education reform and student support systems through long-term mentorship programs.

Ohio State University

The major public research university hosting the REAL program as part of its community outreach and student development initiatives.

The details

College mentors work directly in classrooms to guide students through workshops that include breathing exercises for anxiety and goal-planning techniques. Throughout the semester, these mentors also conduct research to evaluate how these life skills training sessions influence student stress levels and overall health.

Fall 2025: Mentor Jillian Hilwig began her participation in the program.
Spring 2026: Jillian Hilwig mentored students at East High School.
2027: The foundation plans to expand the program to 20 additional universities.

The Home Front

The REAL mentorship program follows a growing trend of university-led outreach intended to support local high school student development. This initiative bridges the gap between campus research and practical, community-based stress management support.

Families in the Columbus area with students at Beechcroft High School, Eastmoor Academy, or East High School can inquire with school administrators about current program participation. Parents should monitor school newsletters for future workshop schedules as the program prepares to add new locations.

The takeaway

This program provides a structured way for high schoolers to build resilience through direct interaction with university students. If your student is interested in goal planning, reach out to school guidance counselors to see if the REAL mentorship program is currently offered at their campus.