The Influential Role of Mentoring Within One Holmes Scholar Program

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Strategies to Enhance Underrepresented Groups (Table 19)

Abstract

A disproportionate number of teachers and faculty of color continue to reflect the students whom they serve. To address this challenge, AACTE runs the Holmes Scholar program, which supports racially and ethnically diverse doctoral students who intend to enter teaching spaces. The success of these programs hinges upon mentors and mentorship. This paper identifies vital attributes of a faculty mentor (Holmes Coordinator) and peer mentors (Holmes Scholars) of a recently established Holmes Scholar program representing one of only two in a large and significantly diverse state. Findings indicate that mentoring is critical in fostering a sense of belonging, intentional communication, modeling skill sets for the academy, and developing a safe space. Holmes Scholars each share findings in their own words.

Authors

• Karen Escalante, California State University - San Bernardino

• Angelica Agudo, California State University - San Bernardino

• Sailesh Maharjan, California State University - San Bernardino

• Rangel Velez Zarate, San Bernardino Valley College

• Audrey A. Millan, Snowline Joint Unified School District