FAMILY  
STABILIZATION

With over 40% of Cobb students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, we recognize that some of our families have basic needs that the community can help us meet that may give students the ability to unlock the quality education that awaits them.


COBB  
MENTORING MATTERS

To Students. To Families. To Communities.
The mission of the Cobb Mentoring Matters is to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their personal potential. By providing Mentors that will serve as a prevention and intervention strategy that will reduce the risk factors that can come between children and their ability to learn – both in the classroom and at home.

Cobb Mentoring Matters envisions a community in which every youth experiences nurturing one-to-one relationships and community support, which in turn allows every youth to develop into their full potential, capable of making informed, responsible decisions as involved members of our community.

SUPPORT MENTORING

FACTS:

Cobb Mentoring Matters is built on the “Best Practices” of the well-known successes of The National Mentoring Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

  • Reduce school absences
  • Improve overall academic performance
  • Increase college participation
  • Improve attitudes and behavior in relation to school
  • Reduce drug and alcohol use (especially among minority youth)
  • Reduce likelihood of committing misdemeanors or felonies
  • Enhance positive attitude toward elders and toward helping others
  • Improve parental relationships and support from peers

How To Become A Mentor.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Cobb Mentoring Matters. Please be aware that you will be redirected to The National Mentoring Partnership's Volunteer Resources Service site. The National Mentoring Partnership serves a unique role as a clearinghouse for information and resources, providing the critical link between MENTOR's and national efforts with local organizations such as ours that foster quality mentoring relationships. We utilize a software developed by them and receive referrals from individuals who want to Mentor.

I Want To Mentor

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026
Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.

2026 Volunteer of the Year

By Kiara Garcia • March 3, 2026
2026 Volunteers of the Year: Celebrating Dedication, Leadership, and Service

Cobb EMC Foundation Invests in Student Resilience

By Kiara Garcia • January 30, 2026
Cobb EMC Foundation Supports Expansion of STRIVE Program in Cobb County Schools
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