Latiné students often feel out of place within the higher education setting and cannot envision what they are capable of because their aspirations have been limited to stereotypes and what others believe. Their sense of belonging is often closely tied to Latiné markers of qualification, such as whether they were or weren’t born outside of the U.S. or whether they speak Spanish. A student’s legal status is yet another component of negatively impacting their ability to focus on their academic pursuits. Research shows that student persistence is positively impacted when faculty and staff have similar racial and ethnic backgrounds with knowledge about racial identity politics (Arana et al. 2011; Contreras, 2017; Dayton et al. 2004). Outcomes are further improved through the use of mentorship programs (Martinez and Gonzales 2015; Thile and Matt 1995) and culturally relevant advising models (Garcia and Okhidoi 2015). Therefore, it was critical to create an opportunity for students to see a representation of themselves in academic spaces.

Students that participate in the Mariposa Mentorship program will foster meaningful connections through the support of mentors, mentees, and peer-to-peer interactions. By providing academic, personal, and professional development opportunities, students will more intentionally navigate Cal State Monterey Bay with the knowledge on how to use campus and community resources, while gaining a sense of belongingness. With intentional care and support, our mentors will help students overcome obstacles and find connections that can help guide them towards their future. 

Through guidance and support, our mentors will facilitate a journey of growth, helping mentees emerge from their cocoon so they may soar towards their aspirations. This experience is meant to set all participants up for professional, personal, and career success. You are joining a community that represents change and transformation, comfort, hope, and positivity. 

As a result of participation in the Mariposa Mentorship program, mentees will:

• Knowledge and Skill Development: Gain new knowledge and skills relevant to their personal and professional growth. This includes improving their communication skills, developing leadership abilities, and enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.
• Personal Growth and Confidence Building: Build self-confidence, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and gain an understanding of their aspirations. This includes feeling empowered to take on new challenges and pursue goals with greater clarity.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Establish meaningful connections with their peers and mentors. The program will encourage networking opportunities, helping students expand their professional network, and gain relevant insights.
• Goal Setting and Action Planning: Learn how to set realistic goals and develop action plans to achieve them. Mentors will provide resources and materials to help students shape objectives, create timelines, and break goals down into manageable steps.
• Emotional Support: Receive guidance on personal matters by discussing and working through challenges. By hearing their mentor’s personal experiences and how they overcame obstacles, mentees will gain relevant strategies to face their own difficulties.
• Increased Motivation and Accountability: Stay motivated and accountable for their actions. Regular meetings and communication with mentors can ensure mentees stay on track, remain focused, and establish ownership over their learning.
• Long-Term Connections: Foster long-term relationships with their mentors, so they may continue to seek guidance and support through their academic, personal, and professional careers, even beyond the Mariposa Mentorship program and CSUMB.