Peer Mentoring Program
The Peer Mentoring Program seeks to ensure access for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), including those who are from social groups historically underrepresented in these fields (e.g., students of color and students who are first in their families to attend college). Incoming students who intend to major in math, computer science, engineering or science are paired with a mentor—a returning student who usually majors in the same field. Mentors and mentees also participate in a range of networking, support and social activities throughout the academic year as part of the program.
Mentoring Responsibilities
An effort is made to pair mentors and mentees by academic interests and housing area, and each mentor is responsible for no more than two mentees.
Mentors check in with their mentees once a week and meet face-to-face at least once a month. Mentors also complete an online mentoring report once a month that is shared with only the mentoring support team. These reports help to document the progress and goals of each mentor/mentee relationship.
The mentoring program hosts a monthly tea in the science center and organizes other social events (ice cream socials, bowling, pizza dinners) a few times a semester. These gatherings are extremely important for strengthening and maintaining ongoing mentoring contacts, bringing together students and mentors with diverse backgrounds for a common purpose.
History of the Program
The Peer Mentoring Program, established in 1995, has been funded continuously by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
