4th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K

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August 9th, 2025

Forest Park

Springfield, MA

WHY WE RUN

The Mentoring Matters 5K is more than a race—it's a movement. Every mile we run helps empower under-resourced youth through mentorship, wellness, education, and opportunity. Whether you're a first-time runner or a seasoned athlete, your steps fuel a brighter future.

Join us as we lace up for mentorship, wellness, and education. All proceeds support Follow My Steps Foundation programs, including year-round mentorship, school supply drives, financial literacy workshops, and fitness programs for youth across Western Massachusetts.

Apply to Volunteer

Help Us Raise $10,000 For Mentorship and School Supplies

Every dollar counts. Every step matters.
Your donation today helps Follow My Steps provide mentorship, educational resources, and essential school supplies to youth across Western Massachusetts. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and make an impact that lasts far beyond race day.

What Your Gift Can Do:

$5 provides healthy snacks and hydration for one student during mentorship workshops.
$10 supplies one youth with a new notebook, pens, and folders for school success.
$25 funds a week of mentorship programming for one Explorer.
$50 outfits a student with a fully stocked backpack for the school year.
$100 covers the cost of group mentorship and financial literacy sessions for five students.
$250 sponsors a youth for the full Mentoring Matters experience—registration, school supplies, mentorship, and fitness programming.

Your support helps us empower, uplift, and prepare the next generation.
Donate today. Walk with us toward a brighter future.

Donate Towards Mentorship

The Endurance Award — $2,000 Scholarship

Every step forward tells a story—and some stories inspire us all.

At this year’s Mentoring Matters 5K, Follow My Steps Foundation will present the Endurance Award, a $2,000 scholarship granted to one exceptional student who embodies what it means to overcome adversity with resilience, strength, and determination. This award is more than financial support—it’s a public celebration of courage and a powerful investment in a young leader’s future.

Purpose of the Award

The Endurance Award honors a young person who:

Has demonstrated perseverance through significant personal, academic, or family challenges.
Continues to pursue their goals with focus, positivity, and leadership.
Reflects the core values of Follow My Steps: resilience, empowerment, and community impact.

Selection Criteria

To be considered for the award, students must:

Register for and complete the 4th Annual Mentoring Matters 5k on August 9th.
Be enrolled in high school or a post-secondary education or training program.
Submit a brief personal statement (minimum 500 words) outlining their journey, challenges, and future aspirations.
Demonstrate commitment to academic growth, personal development, and community engagement.
Be nominated by a Pioneer (mentor), teacher, or community leader.

Award Benefits

The Endurance Award recipient will receive:

A $2,000 scholarship to support their education or career readiness goals.
Formal recognition during the Mentoring Matters 5K awards ceremony.
A spotlight feature on Follow My Steps’ website and social media, sharing their story to inspire others.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your donation helps fund this transformative scholarship and ensures that one deserving young person receives the recognition and support they need to thrive. Together, we celebrate resilience and uplift the next generation of leaders.