Each year, our Mentors work to build incredible and lasting relationships with the Scholars in their cohorts. They provide our Scholars with a steady role model to rely on as they prepare for and head off to college. All of our Mentors go above and beyond for their Scholars – but we’re incredibly proud to honor our chosen 2025 Mentors of the Year: Korbin Hoston for Year One Mentor and for Year Two Mentor – both of whom are Chicago Scholars alumni.

We spoke with each of them about what it means to be recognized for these awards and how it drives them forward as they continue their journeys as mentors with us. Read on for their responses.

What does it mean to you to receive this award? 

Honestly, it is hard to find the words (haha). I have been so involved with Chicago Scholars from being a scholar, to being on the board, and now being a mentor that it is just another highlight for me. There are so many mentors showing up for scholars and I am thankful that I can be one of them.   

What has been the best part of being a CS Mentor? 

Of course, the best part of being a CS mentor is helping scholars avoid as many challenges as possible that others and I have already experienced. Or helping them get through challenges, so they are not as impacted as much. As well as helping them find new possibilities quicker. 
 
Why should others get involved with Chicago Scholars’ work? 

If someone wants to make an immediate impact, they can do so with Chicago Scholars. Chicago Scholars is an organization that stays on top of the trends and sometimes leads them. Chicago Scholars is an organization that accepts all help (the famous time, talent, and treasure motto). People do not realize some of the smallest contributions can have the biggest impact.  

What is something you learned from our Scholars or from being a CS Mentor? 
Really seeing the trends with younger scholars and the higher education field. Things have changed, and I have been able to help scholars grow through the changes that happen. Growing as a mentor and being better at helping someone reach the goals they have for themselves.