AALII MENTORING
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Mission Statement
`A`ALI`I Mentoring (AM) fosters and cultivates mentoring relationships to support Hawaii’s young people from economically disadvantaged communities who are navigating higher education and their young adulthood journey. With mentorship, young people can persevere and reach their post-secondary educational, career, and personal aspirations. AM works with young adults between the ages of 18-24 years including first-generation college students, first-generation immigrants, economically disadvantaged (Pell Grant-eligible) students, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
About This Cause
`A`ALI`I Mentoring (AM) builds post-secondary success through the power of mentoring relationships. Transitioning from high school to post-secondary education remains a daunting challenge for many students, particularly those from under-resourced communities. Many young people in this target population, can face increased difficulties accessing financial, education, and career resources, networks, and opportunities that can impact their persistence in higher education. Data from the Hawaii Data eXchange Partnership (DXP) showed the completion rate for Hawaii students attaining a college degree from a public institution within six years after graduation from high school is 33% (cohort 2015). However, for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the college completion rate within six years of graduation is 23%. Low completion rates can be attributed to financial challenges and lack of affordability; academic struggles – ill-prepared for the rigors of higher education; and personal issues – socio-emotional challenges, family, and work obligations. The support of a mentor can be an effective intervention in addressing low persistence rates in post-secondary education. A mentor can serve as a resource and guide to assist with identifying financial aid options, and academic support systems as well as an empathetic listener who offers encouragement and guidance. Extensive research has determined that young people with mentors are more likely to be successful in school, to be leaders in their communities, and be more likely to enter young adulthood with opportunities for ongoing education and career choices (Mentoring: At the Crossroads - EY/MENTOR). Moreover, mentorship programs are especially beneficial for specific groups, such as first-generation college and first-generation immigrant students (The Chronicle of Evidence-based Mentoring). `A`ALI`I Mentoring's main program goals are to: 1) Enhance academic performance and persistence by fostering meaningful and trusting connections among Mentors and Mentees. 2) Improve leadership, soft skills, and confidence to address the challenges faced during the transition to college and young adulthood. 3) Increase retention and graduation rates in post-secondary education. 4) Explore varied career options and proactively prepare for chosen career pathways. 5) Expand personal financial literacy. 6) Create a mutually rewarding and valuable experience for both mentees and mentors. `A`ALI`I Mentoring’s program begins in August orientation where Mentees and Mentors meet to jump-start the mentoring relationship. AM's program includes three main Mentee/Mentor touchpoints per month: 1) 1:1 Meetings; 2) group cohort meetings “GroupMeets”; and 3) monthly check-ins. Mentors and Mentees meet once a month at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the two parties starting in September. Mentors are given a monthly stipend to cover the cost of a meal during the 1:1 meeting. In addition to the individual mentoring, Mentors and Mentees attend monthly Group Meets featuring interactive activities that cover topics such as personal finance, career exploration and readiness, life skills, community service, etc. Mentors also check in with their Mentee via text, phone, or FaceTime at least once a month as an additional Mentor/Mentee touchpoint. Other program features include monitoring and providing support and guidance to the Mentor/Mentee matches through monthly check-in surveys and follow-up meetings as needed. AM also serves as a resource for volunteer, intern, and career opportunities and awards scholarships upon successful completion of AM's ten-month program. In response to the first cohort's request for a continuation of AM programming after the first year, AM hosts `A`ALI`I alumni gatherings. These quarterly meetings are both social including a meal and educational featuring activities and guest speakers focusing on topics relevant to young adults. The gatherings enhance the bonds developed during the first-year program, build new connections with mentors and mentees from other cohorts, and serve as an overall supportive career and personal network within the AM ohana. Through supportive mentoring relationships, `A`ALI`I Mentees will be better equipped to persevere and thrive in their educational and personal life journey.