Sankofa Mentorship Program
The Sankofa Mentorship Program (formerly the Blue, Gold, & Black Mentorship Program) is a mentorship program that is facilitated in collaboration between African Student Programs (ASP) and Undergraduate Education (UE). The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides programming throughout the entire academic year that is carefully designed to support new Black scholars at the freshmen and transfer level academically, socially, professionally, and personally. The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides peer mentorship from Black scholars with upper-class standing to the program mentees during their first year at UCR. The mentors and mentees attend the various programs that are facilitated by the African Student Program's Professional Staff as well as programs that offered by the various Black student organizations at UCR.
The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides various programming that will expose mentees and peer mentors to…
- Graduate Students
- Faculty Members
- Staff Members
- Alumni
- Community Partners
Each of the aforementioned groups will provide unique insights that will help the mentees navigate the road to success at UCR. Black scholars will have the opportunity to connect with members of each group. The intent of these connections is to spark relationship building between Black scholars, faculty, staff, graduate students, alumni, and community partners that will last long after the year has ended and after they graduate from UCR. Participation is not limited to those who identify as African American or Black only. Participation in the Sankofa Mentorship Program will not be denied to anyone on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.
Program Details
Graduate Students: The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for mentees to spend time and communicate with UCR graduate students from various disciplines. The goal is for mentees and graduate students to have informal conversations regarding what habits and practices can best help them succeed at UCR. The graduate students will also encourage mentees to consider pursuing an advanced degree once they complete their undergraduate program at UCR.
Faculty: The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for mentees to actively engage with faculty members from each of the colleges and schools at UCR. The faculty members will deliver impactful conversations on various topics of their choice.
Staff: The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for mentees to actively engage with staff members from various departments and offices on campus. Eager to support students at UCR, the staff will deliver presentations and discussions on important topics outside of academics, such as financial management and wellness.
Peer: The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for mentees to connect with peer mentors. The peer mentors will have weekly contact with their mentees and attend the various programs the Sankofa Mentorship Program will host throughout the year together in addition to other programs being offered by UCR's Black student organizations.
Alumni and Community Partners: The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for mentees to connect with UCR alumni and community partners that are eager to support UCR's Black community. They will also take part in critical conversations and discussions designed to help mentees succeed during and after their time at UCR.
How to Participate
If you are ready to join the Sankofa Mentorship Program for the 2023-2024 academic year, please email Victor Moreira at victor.moreira@ucr.edu and he will work on getting you added to the program and assigned a peer mentor!
Why We Started the Sankofa Mentorship Program
The mentorship program was created to enhance the Black student experience at UCR.
Program Partners
- Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFASA)
- Undergraduate Admissions
- African Student Programs (ASP)
- UCR Black Alumni Chapter (UCRBAC)
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Please contact UCR’s Black Student Success Coordinator, Victor Moreira, at victor.moreira@ucr.edu.