The proverb “iron sharpens iron” indicates each involved party is equally strong. That premise guides the structure of the Black Colleagues Association’s 360 Mentoring Mentorship Program launched this year. No longer does the wise professional guide the wide-eyed student with unquestioned dominance. Instead, the mentoring committee looks at both parties as having wisdom to share.
“Mentoring shouldn’t be one-sided,” said committee Chairperson Dr. Angelyn Anderson ’95, M.S. ’97. “Research shows mentors can learn a lot from young people.” It is through a mutually respectful relationship that students gain the most benefits from having a mentor, Anderson said. Everyone wins with 360 Mentoring Mentorship.
A mentoring program is the latest addition to the services the BCA provides to its members and current Redbird students. The call went out in the February 2023 newsletter asking for mentors for BCA scholarship recipients with 77 alumni responding with interest. “Our leadership is thrilled,” said BCA President Daniel Pierson ’81, who asked for more engagement from members at the annual meeting in December 2022. Pierson said the advantages are two-fold: The mentorship program provides “continued opportunities for networking and student engagement for our alumni while building up our scholars’ toolkits as they prepare for life after college.”
The mentorship committee has so far paired more than 20 students with mentors in their intended profession or mentors with the professional skills they seek. “Mentoring is about similarities or people who can help draw out professional skills, not making exact matches,” said Anderson. She added the committee was intentional in its work, working to create pairings that will last beyond the school year. Volunteers who have not already been paired will be contacted by the committee.
The mentoring committee established the student-centered program structure after researching best mentoring practices. Their research showed seasoned professionals can help young adults best by meeting them where they are on the journey toward establishing their own careers. To that end, the student sets the agenda for their meeting. As the relationship grows, the mentor guides, sharing wisdom gained through their experiences and offering advice.
Mentors must participate in an orientation with the committee and become a contributing member of BCA. They commit to meeting with their students monthly for at least 30 minutes, virtually or in person. Pierson said the BCA mentoring program is part of a broader effort that begins with the awarding of approximately 20 scholarships. He expects the outcome will be improved grades, more engagement in academic studies and campus life, and better preparation for internships and career opportunities.
In addition to the 360 Mentoring Mentorship Program, BCA partners with the SOAR Scholar Academy, introduced in fall 2021. This effort is designed to address the needs of undergraduate Black men. Pierson said BCA will match 15 students in the SOAR program with mentors to help with leadership development, cultural consciousness development, social and civic engagement, and career goal attainment.
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