Why Young Professionals Are Giving Back Through Mentorship

By Debbie Carlson

• Corporate support is essential for nonprofits like iMentor, enabling them to help high school students on their journey to college through mentorship.
• 72% percent of iMentor students enroll in college compared to 55% of their peers.

Jada Aduda, a senior analyst on the Strategy and Business Development team at CME Group Inc. (CME Group), says she jumped at the volunteer opportunity to mentor a high school student needing college-preparation guidance.
Fresh in her mind were memories from her own high school experience when she felt overwhelmed by all the work it takes to apply to and attend college.
“I remember not really knowing what to do when it came to college, all the logistics of where to go, what to study, how to pay for it. I remember being a fish out of water,” says Aduda, a former CME Group Foundation Scholar who volunteers as a mentor with one of the Foundation’s grantees, iMentor Chicago. “I was super excited and jumped at the opportunity to give back to a student that I could once relate to.”
Formal volunteering at nonprofit organizations can reap benefits for both the recipient and the corporate donor, but it has seen a slump lately, at a time when there is greater need for hands-on giving.
A University of Maryland School of Public Policy Do Good Institute study from 2023 found that the decision to give or volunteer is likely dependent on personal circumstances, social connections and community characteristics. That data may underscore why Aduda found working with iMentor so rewarding: she found a way to help someone in a similar circumstance as she once had been.

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CME Group Volunteers: Bringing Kindness and Fun to McAuliffe Elementary Pre-K

'Volunteering at McAuliffe Elementary for WeROCK was incredibly rewarding. We read “A Little Spot of Kindness” to Pre-K students, discussed kindness and enjoyed coloring together. Each student received a sticker and a mini book, while the teacher got a full-size copy. One student's joy and request for a hug truly melted my heart. These moments remind me why I'm proud to be part of the CME Group family.'
Jamie McNicholas, Ld. Third Party Risk Management Analyst, CME Group.

'My first volunteer experience at CME Group was truly memorable. I opted for the WeROCK program because I wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of children who need it most. My two colleagues and I read a story and guided a small art project to ignite creativity and cultivate a sense of community. What made it exceptional? Experiencing the joy and impact firsthand was incredibly fulfilling.'
Donnie Perez, Product Management, CME Group.