Community Mentoring

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PROVIDING MENTORSHIP TO A COLLEGE STUDENT?

DO YOU WANT TO INSPIRE TOMORROWS’ LEADERS?

 

broncos first is seeking local professionals from the community, in a wide range of career fields to serve as community mentors. consider applying to become a broncos first community mentor!! 

 

What is Broncos FIRST?

Broncos FIRST is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education First in the World (FiTW) program. The objective of the FiTW program is to support the development, replication, and dissemination of innovative solutions to improve the outcomes of students who are at risk of completing their postsecondary education.

WMU was the only grant recipient in the state of Michigan and was awarded $3.2 million to improve graduation completion of low-income students at WMU.

With the support of community partners, Broncos FIRST will facilitate mentoring experiences for income eligible first year students with local professionals from the Kalamazoo community. Mentors provide connections to students, someone to help them on their educational path. These real-world experiences will provide a unique and distinctive element to these student’s higher education experience at WMU. Broncos FIRST students will engage with community professionals on campus in mentoring circles. In addition to mentorship, students enrolled in the Broncos FIRST program will be supported by course facilitators in the Broncos FIRST year-long first year experience course.

 

Broncos FIRST Community Mentors will:

  • Meet on campus with students in mentoring circles 4 times fall semester and 4 times spring semester during the students’ class time
    • Each mentoring circle will be comprised of 18-24 students and 6-9 mentors. The students and mentors will be at round tables to allow for 6-8 student at each table with 2-3 mentors at each table.  
    • A different mentor will take the lead as the mentor facilitator each week (outlines of these responsibilities will be provided)
    • Discussion topics for each meeting will be provided
  • Attend a required orientation to learn about the Broncos FIRST program, mentor expectations, and student learning outcomes for this mentorship experience. (A meal will be provided at the orientation session)
    • The orientation will be offered on the following dates:
      • Thursday, August 31, 2017 7:30-9:00am @ WMU Fetzer Center
      • Thursday, September 7, 2017 7:30-9:00am @ WMU Fetzer Center
      • Wednesday, September 13, 2017 5:30-7:00pm @ WMU Fetzer Center
  • Attend 75% of the mentoring sessions on campus each semester. The designated meeting dates are detailed here.

 

What Will Community Professionals Gain from Becoming a Mentor?

  • Expansion of their professional network
  • A fresh perspective through student interaction
  • Satisfaction from supporting students to achieve their potential
  • Satisfaction from supporting students in early career exploration and preparation for professional work

 

Applications for mentors will be accepted through september 6, 2017

Apply Here

 

If you have any questions about participating in this program, please contact Monica Liggins-Abrams by calling (269) 387-1719 or via e-mail

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Broncos FIRST Community Mentor!