Schoolcraft College introduces new WeConnect Mentorship Program

Schoolcraft College's new WeConnect Mentorship Program has been implemented after a survey indicated that Michigan Reconnect scholarship students would benefit from mentors to help them navigate their college experience. 

According to an article on Schoolcraft College’s website, Sharon Christian, who serves as Associate Dean of Student Success and Retention at Schoolcraft College, discussed the ways this program will benefit students who are attending the college through the Michigan Reconnect program, saying, “Michigan Reconnect students often have full-time jobs, childcare, or other personal obligations in addition to pursuing their degree. This mentorship program creates a community of support for Michigan Reconnect students. The program strives to foster a welcoming college environment, provide peer mentorship, and to align students with resources for long-term academic success. We’re so excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind program to Schoolcraft College.”

The Michigan Reconnect program is a state-run program that provides the financial means for in-district individuals over the age of 21 who do not already have a certificate or degree to obtain one. When it was first implemented, the program was only for those ages 25 and older, but the requirement has recently lowered.

Homayra Adiba is one such Michigan Reconnect scholarship student who is attending Schoolcraft College. She is highly involved in campus life: she is president of the Omicron Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, a writer for the school’s newspaper The Schoolcraft Connection, and, most recently, a mentor for the WeConnect Mentorship Program.

“I am excited about this program. We want to foster a sense of belonging,” said Adiba.

The program is the brainchild of Adiba, Christian, and Todd Stowell, Director of Student Activities. Along with guidance from Dr. Carmen Wilson, who is the Learning Support Services’ Academic Success Coach for Reading, alumna Eva Potka, and former instructor Joel Daniels, the team is hopeful that they will be able to provide the kind of assistance and support that will help Michigan Reconnect students succeed on campus.

To introduce the new program to students, two events have been planned. WeConnect: Mix and Mingle will occur on March 13, and WeConnect: Relax and Recharge will take place on April 17. 

More information about the WeConnect Mentorship program is available via contacting learningsupport@schoolcraft.edu.

For more information about Schoolcraft College, visit the school’s website.