In addition to providing scholarships, The Richmond African American Scholarship Fund continues to foster strong mentor/mentee relationships with its scholars and is committed to maintaining ties with all scholarship recipients throughout their college years.

Each year, the Student Development and Mentorship Committee organizes the RAASF's Annual Student Development Workshop. RAASF scholars are invited to participate in a 1/2 day workshop designed to help increase their knowledge on an array of topics such as Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, Making the Transition from College to Work, Developing a Basic Financial Plan and much more. This workshop typically takes place during the students' College Winter Break between their Fall and Spring semesters.

For more details regarding the Annual RAASF Student Development Workshop, please refer to the Events Calendar or email your questions to: contactus@raasf.com

Mentoring is the essential ingredient that differentiates the Richmond African American Scholarship Fund. Each RAASF scholar is paired up with a mentor throughout their college years. This group of RAASF professional mentors has dedicated themselves to becoming a key component in developing these future leaders of our community and are committed to offering suggestions to improve their mentee's skills, talents, abilities, and initiative in preparation for future endeavors.

Program Overview:

• One year commitment where the mentee and mentor interact on a consistent basis, at least twice a semester.
• RAASF mentors lend their insights and leverage their own experiences to inspire our outstanding mentees. Areas of focus include: professionalism and social interactions, academic preparation, financial management, and career advisement.

We also believe that mentoring is more than just strengthening the mind; it also includes nourishing the body. We, the RAASF mentors and committee members, make sure that each mentee receives a care package of non-perishable foods we call "The Black Box." The Black Box care package--sent during the fall and spring final exam periods -- is designed to assist the students through the long nights of studying and preparing for the semester-ending exams. The student care package serves as a form of encouragement and an acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work scholars demonstrate each semester.