Making the Connection: Development of a Mentoring Program to Engage and Retain Community College Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 78
  In Roundtable Session: Mentoring and Advising College Students

Abstract

This paper describes the development, field testing, and adaptation of the middle and high school dropout prevention intervention Check & Connect for the community college setting. The Making the Connection model engages community college students with college and learning using four components: (1) A small group made up of community college students who want/need extra support; (2) A mentor/small group leader who keeps the focus on achieving the student’s academic and career goals (transfer, 2-year certificate, etc.). The mentor actively facilitates the group and is available for individual mentoring; (3) Systematic monitoring by the student with feedback from the small group and mentor; and (4) Intentional and timely, individualized “interventions” designed to help the student stay on goal.

Authors

• David R. Johnson, University of Minnesota

• Karen Evans Stout, University of Minnesota