Monthly News for Our Donors & Partners
August 2026
“The Chatfield Edge’s unwavering support allows me to continue my dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. The scholarship is a reminder that I am not taking this journey by myself.”
– Gabrielle Chambers, Chatfield Scholar
PREPARING FOR A NEW EDUCATIONAL YEAR
The summer was busy for our Director of Programs, David Hesson, as he prepared for a new school year. With more than 30 years of providing academic support, he’s learned a few things about helping students navigate the barriers that often prevent them from completing their programs.
David trained three new mentors, increasing our pool to 27 volunteers who are committed to walking alongside our scholars. Mentors meet with their mentees for about an hour each month, listening to life updates, checking in on progress, and troubleshooting challenges that, without support, could cause a scholar to give up on school.
In early August, six new scholars attended our kickoff orientation where they learned about the resources available to them as they embark upon their new educational journeys. They joined 73 other scholars we are supporting this year. About 27% of the individuals are in our Education Endeavors pillar which helps them identify their areas of career interest and explore the programs and institutions that can best help them achieve their goals. The remaining 75% are part of our Chatfield Scholars pillar, a group actively engaged in trade, certificate, and academic programs. These students are paired with a mentor and most receive financial support.
To learn more about how The Chatfield Edge can support a student or to inquire about our mentoring program, complete this form and we will be in touch!
WE’VE SURPASSED THE $500,000 MARK IN STUDENT SUPPORT
We’re celebrating a big milestone that would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors.
In January of 2023, we set out to carry on the 190-year-old educational legacy of the Ursuline Sisters of Brown County in the form of a new student support organization called The Chatfield Edge. As our newest scholars head into classrooms this fall, we are proud to report that we have provided $539,000 in student support in just over three years.
Dozens of our scholars are now working in education, HVAC, barbering, medical assistance, and other professional careers. They are realizing their dreams, supporting their families, and making a difference in Greater Cincinnati communities.
We’re looking ahead to our next milestone: $1 million in student support. We invite you to join us by making a gift today to our Annual Fund. Together, we can continue to help scholars pursue the education they need to move into careers that ultimately make our community stronger.
CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS
It’s truly a blessing for our staff and mentors to share in the joy of our scholars’ successes. Many of them initially come to us without direction or hope. As they encounter challenges and barriers along the way, we listen to and encourage them. Watching them complete an educational program is the fulfillment of our mission.
Over the summer, four of our scholars crossed the finish line. Katelyne Knight earned her Medical Assisting Certificates at Great Oaks Career Campus. Three other scholars – Porche O’Neil, Kenicha Scott, and Aaronisha Webster – received their Practical Nursing Certification and pins from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.
Congratulations to these strong women who are providing excellent healthcare in Greater Cincinnati communities. We look forward to the day when they return to The Chatfield Edge to mentor others!
JOBS MARKED SAFE FROM AI: WHAT CAREERS ARE TRULY AI-PROOF?
We’ve all watched science fiction films where robots take over the world. Now it feels like it might actually be happening. With all the headlines about Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking over tasks that used to be done by humans, it is totally normal to ask: Will AI take my job?
The short answer? Not if you pick the right path.
Though technology is changing how we work, many careers are completely safe from a tech takeover. At The Chatfield Edge, we help students navigate educational options so they can build stable, successful futures, no matter where technology takes us.
We Asked the AI Bots: “Are You Taking My Job?”
Click here for the bots’ responses and to learn how AI is shaping today’s workforce.
MENTORING SPOTLIGHT: SR. PHYLLIS KEMPER
For Sr. Phyllis Kemper, mentoring is about much more than simply providing academic or career advice. It is about understanding the many obstacles that students face that she never experienced herself. Her many years of serving people in the inner city help her better understand their realities, including family responsibilities, financial pressures, and the need to live one day at a time.
Most importantly, she believes mentoring is about helping someone understand that another person truly cares. Building trust takes time and progress is not always linear. A student may miss a meeting, change programs, or struggle to keep in touch. But she believes a mentor cannot be quick to judge.
“As mentors, we haven’t walked in this person’s shoes. It’s important to be non-judgmental and let the person know we really care about them.” she said.
Her advice to mentors is simple and powerful: “Don’t give up on them.”
