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Mentorship That Goes Both Ways

Through structured mentorship, academic support and social-emotional guidance, our veterans help children build confidence while the program provides meals and a nurturing place to learn. Students grow academically, socially and emotionally alongside positive role models.

After-School Academics

Daily Math and ELA support using targeted intervention strategies.

Meals Provided

Nutritious dinner and snacks for participating students provided by Second Harvest.

Real Mentorship

Relationships that build leadership, resilience and character.

Community Events

Engagement events for students, families and residents.

Our Academic Goal

“By Spring 2027, every child working below grade level will reach grade-level proficiency in Math and ELA.”

Students below grade level receives targeted support and mentorship.

Measurable improvement in Math and ELA scores

Greater confidence, attendance and engagement

Personal growth for veterans and children alike

Mentor of the Month

Veteran · Community Mentor · UCF Soldiers to Scholars

Since joining the program this year, Jeff Williams has made a lasting impact through his dedication to serving students and the Central Florida community. He created Local Heroes, an initiative that brings community members into the program to share their stories, inspire students, and show them the value of service. We’re grateful for Jeff’s leadership, passion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students.

Get Involved

Start with the checklist so you know what to expect, then submit the application. Questions along the way? Our program manager is happy to help.

Step 1 · Prepare

Mentors Checklist

If you are interested go through the PDF below and make sure you complete the checklist.

UCFSoldiersToScholarsMentorsChecklist.pdf

Step 2 · Apply

Enrichment Program Application

Below is a PDF for enrichment and mentoring program application.

SoldiersToScholarsMentorApplication.pdf

A Model that builds on itself

FOR VETERANS

Serve and Earn

Tuition support in exchange for service, plus leadership experience that lasts beyond graduation.

FOR CHILDREN

Consistent Role Models

Dependable academic and emotional support from mentors who show up every day.

FOR THE COMMUNITY

Lasting Impact

More leadership, education and mentorship opportunities for Orlando families.

Community Partners
Navy Federal Credit Union

Monthly workshops for students and families.

Southern Cross Service Dogs

Bi-monthly sessions that build literacy and emotional confidence through time with service dogs.

Travis Manion Foundation

Brings the Character Does Matter curriculum to students lead by our student veterans

Meet the founder

Dr. Alzo J. Reddick

Dr. Reddick brings 40 years of educational, management and political experience, including more than 35 years as an administrator, professor and teacher in private and public education, from primary school through higher education, in both segregated and non-segregated schools.

  • Helped create a 2+2 Articulation Agreement between Valencia Community College (now Valencia College) and multiple HBCUs.
  • Designed and directed a program that recruited military veterans to become educators, giving them a second career, easing the teacher shortage, and placing positive male role models and mentors with at-risk youth.
  • Spent 12 years as a professional and administrator at one of Florida’s oldest private colleges and recruited students for one of the state’s fastest-growing community colleges.
  • The first African American male to teach at Winter Park High School.
  • Speaks on Civil War and African American history, specializing in the black cowboys of the West.
Meet the team
Sayra Langevin Pratts, MIBA

Program Manager

sayra.langevinpratts@ucf.edu

Janice Sante

Student Resource Specialist

janice.sante@ucf.edu

Toni Leonard

Admin Coordinator

ann.leonard@ucf.edu