The Inclusion & Multicultural Engagement (IME) office is excited to launch a First-Generation Mentorship program and we are calling upon all first-generation staff, faculty, and alum!
L&C’s First-Generation Mentorship Program aims to bridge the generational gap by supporting our first-generation college students. By sharing insider knowledge regarding industries, institutional knowledge of higher education, and navigating complex societal systems; first-generation college students enrolled in our mentorship program will be in the good hands of their mentors and in the community of other first-generation individuals.
Defining first-generation* is never a simple task as there are multiple definitions. We define First-Generation college students as someone whose parents or guardians did not earn a 4-year degree.
*Like any identity, identifying a clear definition is always challenging as each individual is complex and unique. Defining a First-Generation College Student is no different and can be complicated. IME welcomes any student who believes they would benefit from our First-Generation Programs. We encourage you to reach out to IME if you have questions about defining who is First-Generation and/or if you would like to share more about your experience!
If you identify as first-generation and/or are interested in having a First-Gen Mentor, please complete this link here for the 2024-25 academic year. We will host a kick-off orientation meeting for students in September, more information will be shared to those who sign up!
First-Gen Mentees will be paired with First-Gen Mentor who could be a staff, faculty or alumni from any of our campuses (Law, Graduate or College of Arts & Science (CAS).
How will this work?
Mentors will be paired with no more than 3 first-generation students (mentees)
Mentors and Mentees should reach out to each other at least once a month (via text, email, phone call, video call, or in person).
Mentees should reach out to their mentor anytime they are seeking advice, feeling doubt, or have a question but don’t know who to turn to. Whenever they are feeling imposture syndrome. This is a two-way street, so please be proactive in reaching out to your mentor if you want to say hello!
All participants will be invited to join a community meal.
Mentees are required to complete a set of tasks each school year (an IME staff member will be tracking each mentee)
First-year = Visit the Career Center to learn about resources
Second-year = Develop a resume and cover letter with support from Career Center
Case Management Staff and the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) have created a Shared Emergency Food Pantry Resource to assist any Lewis and Clark community member who may be experiencing issues/delays with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits or who needs general food assistance.
The new collaboration will build a hub for education and economic opportunity within Portland’s redeveloped Lower Albina district to foster learning as a core value of the community and provide opportunities for Albina residents and Lewis & Clark students, staff, and faculty.
