Inaugural Report · 2024–25

Igniting Future Leaders

2024–25

From vision to reality: how SetFire Foundation built a mentorship movement connecting students with experienced professionals to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

79 students enrolled 431 sessions delivered 46 colleges $115k value delivered
Letter from the Founder
Ted Bozarth - Founder

Ted Bozarth

Founder, Chairman & Mentor

What began as a simple question—“How can we better prepare students for professional success?”—has grown into something far more meaningful than I ever imagined.

In February 2024, SetFire Foundation was little more than an idea and a determination to make mentorship accessible to every student who wanted it. Today, I'm humbled to share that we've connected over 80 students across 46+ colleges with dedicated professional mentors.

“Every student deserves a mentor who believes in their potential before they fully see it themselves.”

This inaugural report represents more than statistics—it captures the beginning of a movement. Behind every number is a student gaining confidence, a mentor finding purpose in giving back, and a relationship that will shape careers for years to come.

The Sparks Mentorship Program is 100% free to students because we believe financial barriers should never prevent someone from accessing the guidance that can transform their trajectory. This is our investment in the future—and in you.

As you explore this report, know that this is just the beginning. With your support, we will expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue proving that one relationship can change everything.

With gratitude,

Ted Bozarth Signature

Ted Bozarth

Founder, Chairman & Mentor

Our Journey

Building the Foundation

November 2023

The Vision Takes Shape

Initial LLC formed with the intent to become a nonprofit organization. No money taken—just a commitment to making mentorship accessible to all students.

December 2023

Advisory Board Formed

Assembled a team of experienced professionals to guide strategy and ensure the program delivers real value to students and mentors alike.

March 2024

Business Program Launched & First Student

The Sparks Mentorship Program launches with Business as our first focus domain for mentor recruiting, welcoming our first student.

November 2024

Handshake* Launch

Started posting the Sparks Mentorship Program opportunity on Handshake, expanding our reach to students actively seeking career development resources.

March 2025

First Program Graduate

100 Sessions Delivered

Our first student completes the 12-month Sparks Mentorship Program, proving the model works. On March 5th, we delivered our 100th mentoring session.

April 2025

IT Program Launched

Expanded proactive mentor recruiting to include Information Technology, opening more doors for students pursuing careers in tech.

May 2025

Nonprofit Formation & Board

Formed SetFire Foundation, Inc. as a North Carolina nonprofit corporation. Corporate board of directors established.

July 2025

501(c)(3) Application Filed

200 Sessions Delivered

Filed for federal tax-exempt status as a public charity. On July 31st, we delivered our 200th mentoring session.

July – August 2025

Charitable Solicitation Approved

Registered and approved for charitable solicitation in South Carolina and North Carolina.

August 2025

Engineering Program Launched

Expanded proactive mentor recruiting to include Engineering, completing our three focus domains. The program remains open to all undergraduates at U.S. colleges.

August 2025

Founding Donation & ASCM Partnership

Received our first major donation. Established affiliation with ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management).

September 2025

IMA Partnership

Partnered with the Institute of Management Accountants, connecting our students with 140,000+ finance and accounting professionals.

October 2025

Platform 2.0

300 Sessions Delivered

Major platform upgrade with enhanced automation, reporting, and user experience. Hit 300 sessions on October 13th.

December 2025

Year-End Milestone

400 Sessions Delivered

Delivered our 400th mentoring session on December 8th, capping off a year of extraordinary growth.

* Handshake is the leading career services platform used by colleges nationwide, connecting students with employers and service providers like SetFire Foundation.

Measurable Impact

Our Inaugural 18 Months

From a simple idea to a nationwide mentorship network. Here's the impact we've made together.

79
Enrolled
Students currently enrolled in our mentorship program
+1217% growth
67
Active
Students active, with 12 waiting for a mentor match
+1017% growth
100
Capacity
Total mentoring slots from 80 active mentors
+300% growth
431
Sessions
One-on-one mentoring sessions completed to-date
+553% growth
9
Alumni
Students who completed their mentorship program
+13% growth
95.2%
Completion Rate
Students who successfully complete the program
+7.0 pts
46
Colleges
Colleges with students enrolled in the program
+1433% growth
$115k
Value Delivered
Total value provided through sessions and platform access
+795% growth
Leadership

Board of Directors

Guiding our mission with experience, passion, and commitment.

Ted Bozarth
Ted Bozarth
Founder, Chairman & Mentor
Michigan State graduate with 30+ years in supply chain management and internal consulting at Hershey, Miller Brewing, and Coca-Cola Consolidated. Founded SetFire Foundation in 2024.
Sonja Kurcz
Sonja Kurcz
Board Director, Advisor & Mentor
15+ years in organizational change management and communications. Master's in Organizational Development from Queen's University. Passionate about building inclusive networks.
Steve Westphal
Steve Westphal
Board Director, Advisor & Mentor
30+ years in consumer products at Coca-Cola and 7-Up systems. Former EVP of Supply Chain and Senior VP & CFO at Coca-Cola Consolidated. UVA McIntire School graduate.
Meet Our Full Team
The Process

How Sparks Works

A simple, supportive journey from application to career transformation.
Open to all undergraduates attending a U.S. college—any major.

1

Apply

Students complete a simple application sharing their goals, interests, and what they hope to gain from mentorship.

2

Match

We carefully match students with mentors based on career interests, industry experience, and personality compatibility.

3

Connect

Monthly virtual sessions (60 minutes) on your schedule. Flexible, personal, and focused on your specific needs.

4

Grow

Over 12 months, build skills, confidence, and a professional relationship that often lasts well beyond the program.

National Reach

Coast to Coast Impact

Students from across the nation are joining the Sparks movement. Here's where we're making an impact.

Mentoring students at 45 colleges Listed on Handshake at 143 colleges
Student Stories

In Their Own Words

Real students sharing real experiences from the Sparks Mentorship Program.

“The Sparks Mentorship Program truly lives up to its name. I came in as a student eager to find my footing in Information Security, a vast and competitive field. I had plans for where I wanted to go – I aimed to become a...”

Terrell G.
Terrell G.
Kennesaw State University
BS Cybersecurity / MS Information Security

“The Sparks Mentorship Program has been an invaluable resource through the process of transitioning from student to my role as a Business Operations Analyst in the industrial automation sector. One of my favorite...”

Camden H.
Camden H.
North Greenville University
Business Management

“I feel so blessed to have participated in the Sparks Mentorship Program from SetFire this year. I am thankful to have been paired with Mr Steve Westphal, who is the picture of professionalism mixed with kindness. Mr....”

Avery S.
Avery S.
North Greenville University
Accounting

“The Sparks Mentorship Program from SetFire has been greatly impactful in my college journey and my professional development. I am thankful to have been paired with Mr. Steve Weinstein, and he has made the...”

Jasper C.
Jasper C.
North Greenville University
Business Administration
View All Testimonials
Mentor Voices

Why Mentors Give Back

Our mentors discover that teaching transforms them too.

“What I didn't expect was how much it would sharpen my own thinking. Externalizing my process to someone else forces clarity. Just like sketching or prototyping, teaching someone else how you work makes you understand your own decisions better. When I explain to Lilly how I work, I'm not just helping her. I'm refining my own framework in real time. That clarity shows up immediately when I'm pitching clients or negotiating with partners.”

“The cost is only one hour a month. The return is a sharper version of yourself and a designer who doesn't have to figure it all out alone.”

Blair Hasty
Blair Hasty
Founder & Director of Industrial Design at Crafted by · Sparks Mentor
Financial Transparency

How We Invest Your Support

Every dollar is invested in expanding student access to mentorship.

Every dollar goes directly to our mission. Donations are allocated approximately as follows:

74% Program
14% Admin
12% Outreach

74% – Direct Program Operations

  • Mentorship program coordination and support
  • Technology platform development and maintenance
  • Mentor recruitment and training initiatives
  • Educational resource development
  • Program materials and volunteer appreciation

14% – Administrative & Legal

  • Professional accounting and legal services
  • Insurance and regulatory compliance
  • Banking and operational necessities

12% – Community Engagement

  • Events and community building
  • Outreach activities to expand our mentor and student network

We currently have no paid operations staff. As our program grows, we may hire staff to expand our impact. Allocations are approximate and subject to change.

SetFire Foundation is committed to full financial transparency. We applied for federal 501(c)(3) public charity status in July 2025, with approval currently pending. We are registered for charitable solicitation in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Support Our Mission →

Looking Ahead

The Future is Bright

With strong foundations in place, here's what we're building toward in 2025 and beyond.

Scale to 1,000+ Students

Our 2028 goal. The infrastructure is ready—we're actively recruiting mentors to match every student who wants guidance.

Affiliate Expansion

Roll out IMA partnership, expand with ASCM, and bring on new affiliates in Engineering and IT to grow our mentor network.

Alumni Network

Building a community where program graduates can give back as mentors, creating a self-sustaining cycle of support.

Workplace Partnerships

Partnering with employers to gain access to mentors, create student opportunities, and build pathways to employment.

Open to All Undergraduates

Any undergraduate at a U.S. college can apply. Our focus areas guide mentor recruiting—not who can join.

Resource Library

Expanding our proprietary resources for personal development, career planning, and professional growth.

Join the Movement

Whether you're a professional ready to give back or someone who believes in our mission—there's a place for you in the SetFire community.

“You needed someone once. Be that person now.”

Become a Mentor