Delores Sarfo-Darko, MSW, EdD Supporting Low-Income, First Generation Students: Five Strategies for Increasing their Success to Graduation through Mentoring Programs Delores Sarfo-Darko, MSW, EdD What I do/my background

Perceptions of the Effects of Mentoring Programs on the Completion Rates of Low-Income, First-Generation (LIFG) Undergraduate College Students A dissertation defense in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration Delores Sarfo-Darko, MSW New England College B. Frame of research: I interviewed 12 professionals from across the country to learn specific strategies that work for LIFG students who participate in mentoring. All the mentoring programs were different with different target groups and methods. The important thing is that we all have or do some sort of mentoring even through things that are not called “mentoring.”

Statement of the Problem LIFG students face challenges and difficulties that decrease their odds of completing a college degree. Considering these challenges and their effects, there is great need for supportive institutional action for LIFG students. LIFG students have the comparable academic potential to their continuing-generation counterparts; that potential needs to be cultivated and encouraged through a reliable and unified support system Challenges from kindergarten and the achievement gaps So what? Impacts on the person, the institution, economy, and society Retention focused programs: bridge, service learning, academic and career counseling, first-year experience, supplimental insruction, learning communities, mentoring programs Benefits and risks of mentoring programs

C. It is more important that this workshop be useful to you all and I will weave in portions of my research that is pertinent.

Brainstorm and Collaborate: 5 minutes then 15 minutes Think back to your college experience, did you participate in a mentoring program or have mentors? Or even the types of mentoring that goes on on your campus. Write down what worked and what did not. Trade ideas in small groups What were common themes?

Handout of five strategies (alot overlap these are ordered by frequency in data) Handout of problem solve sheet

Questions?