The program matches mentors with first-generation college freshmen and/or new students from foster-care families.
“Mentors are people who are interested in meeting with these students on a monthly basis to provide them with the support and guidance needed to help them through their college career,” Ericsson said. The program is full for this semester, with 41 mentors, she said. Employees interested in mentoring in the future may contact Ericsson at 335-8065 or ericssons@wsu.edu.
Julia Pomerenk, WSU registrar, has been involved in the program for the past five years. She said she believes it to be a great opportunity for employees and students to interact.
“Connecting with a freshman each year is such a wonderful opportunity,” Pomerenk said. “I enjoy being a part of a student’s life and having the chance to help them pursue a successful future.”
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Karen Weathermon, right, and a student she mentored, Thuy Chung. |
“Statistically, one of the strongest indicators of a student’s persistence in college is their connections,” Weathermon said. “As a mentor, you’re one more person who can be there.”
According to a College Board report, approximately 40 percent of students from affluent families receive a bachelor’s degree or higher within five years of high school graduation, as compared to six percent of students from the lowest-income families.
“Ultimately, we help these students overcome the odds,” Ericsson said.
Scholars are selected from students who have received scholarships based on scholastic achievements, income levels, success milestones and/or basic needs. Scholarships include the Washington Achievers Scholarship, Governor’s Scholarship and Leadership 1000 Scholarship. These scholarships were established based on statistical analysis to open the doors to higher education for low-income students.
“Many of the students had high motivation to succeed, but little hope for financing their education before they received scholarships,” Ericsson said. “The mentors provide guidance to them in making a successful transition to college and careers.”
Once scholars are chosen, they fill out an interest form so they may be matched with an appropriate mentor.
“Generally, I give each scholar and each mentor a form so they can express their interests and hobbies and provide some general background for us to get to know them. This way, we can make sure the matches made are most appropriate,” Ericsson said.
A reception is held for mentors and students to get to know each other and decide if they have any match preferences.
Once matches are made, the mentors serve as a resource, share information, discuss academics, guide scholars in choosing appropriate work experience and making a plan for success, assist them with goal setting, and refer them to others in the community.
“Our goal is to graduate these scholars and help them develop to their full potential,” Ericsson said. “By becoming a mentor, WSU employees can make a significant personal contribution to the experience of a WSU student.”
