Mentors perceptions of a university-school partnership

The study focuses on the experiences of 10 African American male college mentors at Indiana State University, exploring the benefits of their participation in the Student African American Male Mentor Program. Through semi-structured interviews and a focus group, key themes emerged, highlighting the personal significance of mentoring. Participants reported enhanced feelings of belonging to the university, improved motivation, and the importance of serving as role models. Mentoring also facilitated connections with campus leaders, countering feelings of isolation and negative peer influences.