CANCELLED. Peer Mentoring Programs Can Promote Equal Educational Opportunity Among At-Risk Black and Latino Freshmen

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-1 - Cultural Considerations for Mentoring Practices

Abstract

Mentoring promotes equal educational opportunity and addresses disparities in retention and persistence among traditional and nontraditional students. Peer mentoring is an effective tool for engaging underserved individuals as policymakers challenge performance.

This Institutional Review Board approved quasi-experimental study assessed the effect of participation in a peer mentoring program on academic outcomes of at risk Black and Latino freshman. It was grounded in retention and persistence models, as well as mentoring and student development theories related to acculturation, multiculturalism, and academic success. Participants met with mentors in a mixed race and gender network, as well as with upper class peer mentors.

Significant program efficacy results supported that participation positively impacted first year success. Findings regarding differential performance were not statistically significant.

Author

• Robert M. Mangione, St. John's University