Children are matched with students at the University of Illinois based on similar interests and hobbies. Through the exchange of letters, the children have an opportunity to interact with college students while improving their writing skills. The U of I participants have an opportunity to serve as role models and encourage the students to think about college as part of their future. Volunteers write to their assigned pen pal once a month (October-April) and attend an event on campus in April to meet their pen pal in person.