Aboriginal Peer to Peer Mentorship
What is an Aboriginal Peer Mentor?
An Aboriginal Peer Mentor is a guide and a knowledgeable resource that assists fellow students (Mentees) in developing strategies to succeed in their post-secondary education.
A Peer mentor is a senior student (second semester and above) who is available to give their time and skills in order to have a positive impact on a new student's post secondary experience.
See also: Becoming an AS Mentor [PDF]
What is an Aboriginal Mentee?
An Aboriginal Mentee is a first semester or first year student who is matched with a senior student mentor in their program area who will help them with organization and study skills, get information about their program and student life at BCIT. Mentoring is becoming more popular in post-secondary institutions because individuals who receive support from their peers in the form of mentoring are more likely to adapt well to post-secondary life, succeed academically, and persist until graduation.
See also: Becoming an AS Mentee [PDF]
Why are Aboriginal Mentors important?
- Develop leadership and communication skills, transferable to future employment settings
- Excellent experience to include on your resume
- Receive a “ Aboriginal Service Certificate of Achievement” in Mentoring
- Network and develop new friendships by participating in the program
- Make a difference to a new student
- Give back to a first year student
What are the benefits to you of becoming an Aboriginal Mentee?
- Help with your first year transition at BCIT
- Make your BCIT experience successful
- Get answers to questions about your program and BCIT life
- Network and meet new people
- Become a Peer mentor in your second year
If you have questions about becoming a mentor or mentee or how you can put your BCIT department or students in touch with the Peer to Peer Mentorship Program please contact: Derik Joseph, Advisor, Aboriginal Services.