Did you know last month was designated as National Mentoring Month? As a leader in higher education, I have had the privilege of mentoring up-and-coming leaders by encouraging innovation, compassion, equity, and community-focused leadership. I have guided emerging professionals in navigating the complexities of higher education while staying committed to access and student success. Watching these leaders grow, take on new challenges, and drive positive change at their institutions is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Giving back and paying it forward are important goals for each of us to have.
According to MENTOR, adults who were mentored as youth report long-lasting impact. Seventy-four percent of those who had a meaningful mentor say that person contributed significantly to their success later in life, 69% of young adults say that this key relationship has helped with issues related to their education, and 58% say their mentor has supported their mental health.
Through a partnership between 海角社区 and Hennepin Technical College, we practice mentorship during the academic year through Be Bold Break the Mold that supports female-identifying students entering high-demand careers where women are underrepresented. Participating programs of study include computer science, engineering, construction management and criminal justice.
Students in BBBM are paired with a professional mentor in the community working in their field of interest. This year, our mentors are employed by Hennepin County, Best Buy, BI Worldwide, Windsor Engineering, SPS Commerce, Seagate, City of Minneapolis, Meditech, LOGIS, City of Brooklyn Park, High Tech Kids, Fox Trot, North Memorial, United Healthcare and Xcel Energy.
CJ Jansen of Surest, a United Healthcare Company, said 鈥淎s a mentor in Be Bold I get to impart wisdom from my work and life on my mentees. Intergenerational mentorship bridges social gaps. I learn from our students, and they learn from me. It isn鈥檛 just about job readiness; it鈥檚 about life readiness too. To quote one of Minnesota鈥檚 finest, 鈥榃e all do better when we all do better.鈥欌
After completing the program, 50% of student mentees felt more connected to students in their program, 93.8% felt more supported, as women pursuing their career, 87.5% increased their confidence level in completing their degrees, 68.8% felt more prepared to find a job in their career field, and 56.3% gained awareness of their strengths and how they would play out in a work setting.
Nala Adotevi, a member of NHCC鈥檚 2024 graduating class, said 鈥淏e Bold Break the Mold has empowered me in ways I never imagined. Before joining, I felt isolated in my academic journey and had a lackluster college experience. Through Be Bold, I gained a supportive and expanding network, friends, and family. My mentor and the community equipped me with the skills to jumpstart my career, leading to my first job in health IT at MEDITECH! Be Bold is an invaluable community committed to uplifting women.鈥
Innovative programming like BBBM is possible when the state invests in higher education. The 26 colleges and 7 universities of Minnesota State provide essential workforce skills for many sectors of the economy, contributing to the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of our communities. I remain hopeful that the legislature fully funds Minnesota State鈥檚 biennial request that would represent a critical investment in 海角社区 and the longterm vitality of our economy.