With funding from Rutgers University–Newark (RU–N) alumnus Ray Chambers and the charitable organization he founded, The MCJ Amelior Foundation, RU–N and the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) launched a major mentorship program with students of Newark’s West Side High School (WSHS). During a series of focus group sessions facilitated by the Center for Supportive Schools, RU–N undergraduate and graduate students were given an opportunity to meet with WSHS students to become better acquainted and understand the purpose and importance of mentoring. The first three sessions were held on March 6, 10, and 12, and attracted a total of 70 RU–N students and 160 WSHS students. The fourth and final session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8.
While many of the high school students initially expressed reservations about the usefulness of one-on-one mentoring, by the end of each session, most had been convinced of its intrinsic value, both personally and academically.
“By all indications, everyone who participated in the group sessions considered it time well spent,” noted Dr. Peter Hoontis, associate dean of academic and student services at SPAA. “The ultimate goal, in terms of numbers, is to pair 500 West Side High School students with 500 Rutgers University–Newark student mentors for an entire academic year.”
With nearly 200 RU–N students registered as mentors, more are needed. Any RU–N student who would like to be a 2015-2016 mentor should contact Ms. Tuğba Aksoy, SPAA senior student programs manager, at aksoy@rutgers.edu, by Thursday, April 30. Anyone interested in attending the final focus group session on April 8, must register with Aksoy by Friday, April 3.
