Mentoring Program 

Overview

The Champions Mentoring Program will pair selected Rise Scholars with community, corporate and CSU Alumni mentors (Champions) for AY24-25. The Champions Mentoring Program is aimed at increasing student enrollment, retention and ultimately graduation rates. Studies have shown that mentoring minority college students results in those students being twice as likely to persist and succeed as non-mentored minority students and to have higher GPAs.

The program will operate for the entirety of the student scholars’ first year of instruction at CSU, (September 5, 2024 - April 17, 2025). Program participants will engage in a one-hour session per month as well as be required to meet with their Champion/Scholars virtually not less than once monthly. Click here to apply to be a Champion Mentor. Must be prepared to begin on September 5th per the below schedule.

Champion (Mentor): Roles and Expectations

Champions will serve as a catalyst for the development of social capital, the foundation for strong networks of support and collaboration for Rise Scholars. Champions will serve as key boosters of Scholars, supporting their personal and professional growth.

Each Champion/Scholar will be paired to maximize success and will be based on lived experiences, personal interests, professional goals, etc.  Mentors will be selected from area businesses, Chicago State funders, partners, and alumni.

Active Champion Engagement will include:

• Participation in monthly virtual experiential learning events facilitated by Chicago State Foundation in support of the CSU Champions Program.
• Active and ongoing engagement with your Scholar (at least once a month) to ensure continuity throughout the program.
• Sharing the gifts of time, thought partnership and lived experiences with Scholar(s).

Rise Scholars (Mentees): Roles and Expectations

CSU’s Champions Program is a holistic approach to providing a support system centered on the Scholar from the beginning to end of the academic journey. Commitment to the program is critical and two-fold; CSU commits to providing the financial capital to cover tuition, fees, and related expenses. In return, the Scholar commits to realizing that program completion is the pathway to higher earning potential and additional job opportunities. Additionally, Scholars will receive training that will challenge them to think about the role they play in society as a whole, and how they can have a greater impact on their communities. 

Scholar Engagement will include:

• Participation in monthly virtual group experiential learning events facilitated by Chicago State Foundation in support of the CSU Champions Program.
• Active and ongoing engagement with your selected Champion (Video call not less than once a month).

Click here to apply to be a Champion Mentor. Must be prepared to begin on September 5th per the below schedule.

 

Group Mentoring session Schedule (Tentative)

Fall 2024:

Thursday, September 5, 2024, 12:00PM-1:00PM (In-Person), Location: GBL 4th Floor Sunroom

            Topic: Opening Ceremony/Program Kick-off/Orientation

Thursday, September 19, 2024, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual 1:1)

            Champions/Scholars 1:1

Thursday, October 3, 2024, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual Group)

            Topic: Goal Clarity

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual 1:1)

            Champions/Scholars 1:1

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual Group)

             Topic: Goal Setting Action Plan

Thursday, November 21, 2024, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual 1:1)

            Champions/Scholars 1:1

Spring 2025:

Thursday, January 9, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (In- Person), Location: Gwendolyn Brooks Library (4th Floor)

            Topic: Lessons Learned: Experiences, Successes, and Failures

Thursday, January 23, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual 1:1)

            Champions/Scholars 1:1

Thursday, February 6, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual Group)

            Topic: Identify and Challenge Limiting Beliefs

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual 1:1)

            Champions/Scholars 1:1

Thursday, March 6, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual Group)

            Topic: How are you Building Resilience?

 Thursday, March 20, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual 1:1)

            Champions/Scholars 1:1

Thursday, April 3, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Virtual Group)

            Topic: Goal Setting Review

Thursday, April 17, 2025, 12:00PM-1:00PM (In-Person), Location: GBL 4th Floor Sunroom

            Topic: Closing Ceremony/ Reception