Spotlight on the LEADS Mentoring Program
By: Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC)
Higher education is becoming a real possibility for more and more families. More inclusive educational practices, humanistic admissions policies and initiatives such as DACA are helping to make college a reality for students across the nation. As exciting as realizing the dream of university can be, it can be just as daunting. Successfully navigating the foreign world of higher education can present unique challenges for students who enter as First Generation or identify as a Person of Color or LBGTQ+. With continued diversification of student demographics on college campuses across the United States, more research on student success for specific student populations has begun to emerge. One study by USA Today (2013) noted that first generation college students are four times more likely to drop out of college than their peers.
Gonzaga has a number of programs to support and celebrate our students of diverse and marginalized backgrounds. The BRIDGE pre-orientation program makes early connections between students and campus, and the many cultural clubs unite students and build culture awareness. These types of programs are integral to building community and a more inclusive, culturally aware college environment.
Another specific program to support students of marginalized backgrounds is the LEADS Mentorship Program. LEADS stands for leadership, education, academic development and success skills. The program is designed to meet the unique needs of first generation students. Many of them also identify as a Person of Color and/or LBGTQ+. LEADS aims to support students in their transition to university life and set them up for success on their road to graduation.
Participating incoming first-year students are matched with two mentors: a returning student called a peer mentor and a faculty or staff mentor. Each provides a unique perspective of and connection to GU life and Spokane. A purposeful application process for both mentees and mentors is conducted in order to best match participants. Many of our peer mentors participated in LEADS as incoming freshmen and have an authentic understanding of what the transition to college is like for POC, LBGTQ+ and other marginalized populations. One characteristic of all of our mentors is a passion for issues surrounding social justice, inclusion and multiculturalism on campus.
Oftentimes, our triads of participants grow from a formal support system to a family. “My peer mentor has helped me in many ways throughout the year. When I was struggling during first semester, he noticed that something was wrong. Before asking me, what was wrong he opened up and told me his struggles from his first year and how he wished he had someone to guide him… He became my rock through a lot of very tough problems that I was facing first semester. He taught me how to ask for help when needed, how to communicate with teachers if you are having problems, as well as how to relax, even when times are stressful,” recounts a participant last year about her peer mentor.
LEADS members also participate in regular workshops. Topics range from class registration and college-level study tips to networking and finding internships. We also hold social events and close the academic year by celebrating the accomplishments and successes of our students with a formal banquet. The banquet features a keynote speech from a senior classmate and special recognition of outstanding, participant-nominated mentors and mentees.
Among Gonzaga’s different programs to support its commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus, LEADS is one that creates and maintains community, support and connections throughout the year and contributes to the success and development of each individual as they progress to the next steps of their college career and beyond. We are continuously impressed by the character, determination and commitment of our mentees, mentors, and the strength of their relationships.
If your student is interested in participating in the LEADS Mentoring Program, please visit the following links for applications or email Morgan Owen at leads@gonzaga.edu for more information.
Mentee application: found here.
Peer Mentor application: found here.