The Una Mano Amiga peer mentoring program at Salt Lake Community College is a resource for all Hispanic/Latino students to become informed about networking opportunities, tools, and mentors available to them to successfully navigate the college system.
This program promotes, empowers and encourages Hispanic/Latino students and families to become part of the chain of success with a clear understanding and focus on education.
We have workshops, conferences, projects and event planning opportunities, which are outlets for leadership development and entrepreneurship.
The principal purpose behind the implemented mentorship program consists of providing a buffet of resources and access for students to learn – grow – share with one another.
Una Mano Amiga is the umbrella to an array of initiatives related to multigenerational student success.
There is the Cross Cultural Program, a project that combines native Spanish and English speaking individuals with one another. This system creates a space for both parties to work on the language and understand cultures more in depth.
We also have weekly Friday workshops and trainings for student development as well as weekly conversation labs for ESL parent mentors and students to gain greater confidence as they articulate their thoughts and words. Meetings range from job interview tips to presentations regarding undocumented student scholarships.
We have also implemented the youth initiatives project as an opportunity for young scholars, specifically those are interested in and/or currently enrolled in concurrent enrollment at the college. Activities range from working on e-portfolios to navigating MyPage.
In addition, student peer mentor leaders run group and/or one to one tutoring sessions with one another. They come together to support each other as well as create and bring about study groups.
Conferences are also provided throughout the academic year where students and community partners come together to recognize and celebrate student achievement. Currently, we have extended to the University of Utah, where our graduates are pursuing their education and are connected to the resources and programs available to them at the University by alumni peer mentor leaders.
There are over 800+ Hispanic students both at South City Campus and Redwood. However, from this pool of students, there are 50 peer mentor leaders who are heavily involved and guide the mentees. They act as ambassadors and advocates for the group and are great mentors for growth.
Students who are interested in joining are invited to get involved with us.
