North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) announces a $25,000 grant from the Kontoor Brands Foundation in support of its iBELONG Mentoring Program. This funding will particularly benefit the unique initiatives at Greensboro College and Guilford College aimed at fostering community outreach, personal growth, and educational leadership among students of color.
“This grant will make a significant difference in the lives of our students. It is providing resources they need to develop skills that will extend far beyond their academic pursuits,” said NCICU President Dr. A. Hope Williams. “The iBELONG Mentoring Program exemplifies our commitment to fostering personal development and growth as well as academic excellence.”
Across North Carolina, 13 NCICU campuses participate in the iBELONG Mentoring Program, empowering students to build meaningful connections and grow as leaders.
“We believe in the power of education and mentorship to transform lives,” said Mame Annan-Brown, EVP, Global Communications, Public Affairs and President of the Kontoor Brands Foundation. “Supporting programs like iBELONG aligns with our commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities. We are thrilled to support the iBELONG Mentoring Program and help inspire the next generation of leaders.”
The two programs supported by the grant are the Greensboro College “Lion Walkers” initiative and the Guilford College “Brothers Doing Positive” mentoring group.
“The Kontoor Brands Foundation’s contribution is a catalyst for change,” said Colleen Kinser, Director of the Independent College Fund of North Carolina. “It enables us to create enriching experiences for our students, allowing them to explore career opportunities, attend impactful conferences, and visit culturally significant cities.”
Lion Walkers is an intentional campus community designed to foster brotherhood while promoting both professional and personal development. “Brothers Doing Positive” is a mentoring group for male students of color to foster brotherhood, personal development, and leadership skills.
In 2023, Greensboro College established its first mentoring program, the “GC Lion Walkers,” for male students of color as a part of NCICU’s iBELONG initiative.
“The wide array of representation in the program has a ripple effect across campus,” said Warche’ Downing, Dean of Student Success and Engagement, Greensboro College. “This activates a model of character excellence for the Lion Walkers. With the Kontoor Brands Foundation grant, these young men can visit culturally enriching cities, attend conferences, and have exposure to different career opportunities.”
Students at Greensboro College have gained essential skills beyond the classroom through this program, such as confidence, accountability, professionalism, and leadership.
“I love being a brother for those who need it the most,” said Camron Flowers, a graduating senior at Greensboro College.
The GC Lion Walkers has become more than a career mentorship program; it is a brotherhood. Through support and meaningful connections, the students have risen as key leaders for both Greensboro College and the local community.
“This program gave me the strive I needed to chase my dreams,” Brian Ventura, a junior at Greensboro College.
Guilford College’s “Brothers Doing Positive,” a mentoring group that is part of NCICU’s iBELONG program, has become a space for male students of color to gain critical life skills.
“It’s critical to have this kind of support for young men of color so that they can be their authentic selves,” said Donovan Smith, Interim Director of Residential Education and Housing, Guilford College. “The Kontoor Brands Foundation Grant allows us to do things we’ve always wanted to do. We can finally get customized jackets, visit enriching cities, and host events that not only benefit this group but the rest of the student body.”
Brothers Doing Positive (BDP) goes beyond job interview prep and learning to tie a tie. It enables young men of color to be vulnerable and create a trusted, healthy support system that prepares students for success.
“It was great to connect with other men and to hear about the adversity they’re overcoming to be successful,” said Trey Buie, Guilford College alumnus.
Members of BDP often become community leaders. Inspired by their experience through brotherhood and mentorship, the students often commit to giving back to the program to support other students like themselves.
“I wanted to empower people just like me,” said Mitchell Griffen, a graduating senior at Guilford College. “Together, we can be a community.”
Click here to learn more about NCICU’s iBELONG Mentoring Program.
