The History of Us

1997 – The Founding of Talbot Mentors

A 35-year-old man approached Talbot County citizen Phil Kirby at an event and said, “Thank you.” Phil had no idea who this man was and asked why he was thanking him. The man said, “Twenty years ago, you spent 15 minutes with me, just talking to me and giving me some advice, and that’s what changed my life.”

This served as the catalyst and concept for the founding of Talbot Mentors by Phil in 1997. Talbot Mentor’s initial purpose stated in the Articles of Incorporation was “To help students become good and responsible citizens, with a sense of values and standards, prepared for work and citizenship in the 21st century.”

That one “thank-you” continues to exemplify Talbot Mentors’ mission — those small, sometimes seemingly insignificant things that an adult may do that can make a difference in a child’s life.

2020 - integration of Mid-Shore Scholars

Mid-Shore Scholars was founded in 2019 by Marshall and Loretta Blume, who sought to support high achieving, low-income students on their journey to college. Marshall, who taught at the University of Pennsylvania for forty-five years before retiring to Talbot County, saw the dramatic results of college-access programs in urban areas and wanted to bring the same opportunities to college-bound youth on the Eastern Shore.

In 2020, Mid-Shore Scholars (now known as the Scholars Program) joined Talbot Mentors and is a hallmark program of the organization. Our goal is that 100% of our scholars get into college, 100% stay in college, and 100% graduate…and enter into promising careers and become mentors in our program or any programs that serve youth and provide an opportunity to pay it forward!