Fifteen University of Houston-Victoria students are needed to participate in a new online mentoring partnership between UHV and the Coastal Bend College. Designed to encourage Hispanic, first-generation and other underserved students in attaining baccalaureate degrees, the program will pair UHV mentors with CBC students to ease the transition from the community college to the university.

To participate, UHV students must be currently enrolled and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5. Prior to starting the program, mentors will be provided with training to address any questions and outline expectations. They will then communicate with their CBC mentee once a week via the Internet. The program requires a one-semester commitment, after which mentors have the option to continue with a new mentee.

“For a new student, transferring to the university can be exciting but intimidating,” said Robert Cortez, program coordinator. “Even something as simple as talking about classes you’ve enjoyed, where to eat in Victoria if you’re on campus or where to live can make a difference to another student thinking about coming to UHV.”

Mentees will not be the only ones to benefit. UHV students who participate as mentors will have a chance to develop and apply leadership and coaching skills, and use the experience when pursuing job opportunities.

Cortez hopes to begin pairing UHV and CBC students for the program this month. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to discuss the program with students and recommend their participation. To build the mentoring pool, Cortez would also like to meet with student organizations and discuss the program.

The mentoring program is part of a larger initiative that was recently awarded a $3.5 million Title V grant. As part of this initiative, the goal is to recruit a total of 60 students over the next five years from Beeville, Alice, Kingsville and Pleasanton CBC sites into the mentoring program. For more information, contact Robert Cortez at (361) 570-4365.