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February 2016

Mentorship Program at OCCC Connects Students With Professionals

President Jerry Steward welcomes mentors and mentees during a reception for the Student Connecting with Mentors for Success program on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016.

A positive mentor relationship has the power to make a difference in the life of a student. Connecting students with professionals in the Oklahoma City community is only the starting point for Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) newly launched program titled Students Connecting with Mentors for Success (SCMS).

It is the mission of OCCC to provide students with learning opportunities that empower them to accomplish their educational goals and an education that enriches the lives of everyone in the community. The purpose of the SCMS program is to improve the academic achievement, retention and graduation rates for students, with the goal of preparing them for successful entry into the workforce or to transfer to a four-year university. Research has shown that healthy mentor partnerships can improve the odds for these specific goals.

Bryon Dickens, director of the SCMS program, states the program will achieve these goals by “the furnishing of mentors who will provide one-on-one supportive relationships that facilitate academic program completion for every student.”

The SCMS program seeks mentors from all professions and backgrounds to offer degree or certificate-seeking student’s advice, feedback, accountability and direction, not only in education but future career choices as well. Mentors will have contact with the student mentee at least once a week, and meet face to face once a month. Through these mentor-mentee partnerships, mentors may also use personal contacts to connect mentees with other industry professionals, internships and potential job opportunities.

OCCC continues to make student success a priority, and this program will create effective opportunities for students to achieve their goals and expand their network for future success. For more information about the program, please contact Bryon Dickens at bryon.a.dickens@occc.edu or (405) 682-1611 ext. 7753.