Program Type
Mentoring and career navigation programs
Ages Served:
19-25 Years
Overview
Brief Program Summary: REACH (Retain, Engage, Aspire, Connect, Help) Peer Mentoring
program is a 1-credit hour course (EDHI 401 800) designed to assist participants in successfully
transitioning to life as a Ball State student. The program helps first-year students adjust to the
academic, social, personal and professional challenges, with a focus on the experiences of
students of color and first-generation college students.
Program Goals:
• Connect first-year students with an upper-class mentor, who will help guide them through the
transition to life at Ball State University
• Provide intentional interactions with mentors, faculty, staff and alumni who encourage and
support mentees through their unique cultural journey through college
• Inform mentees of academic, social, and personal resources to help them successfully navigate
university systems and processes
• Help retain and graduate mentees through four years at Ball State University
Success Metrics: First semester GPA, involvement in student organization, and retention rates.
Demographics
Number Served & Racial Distribution:
Total Number of Individuals Annually Served
20
Black or African Americans Annually Served
50%
Hispanic or Latinos Annually Served
50%
Geographic Scope:
− Central Indiana Counties: N/A
− Additional/Other Areas of Focus: N/A
Resources
Annual Operating Cost: $1,000
Initial Start-Up Cost: $0
Contact Information
Organization Name: Ball State University
Website: https://www.bsu.edu/campuslife/multicultural-center/programs-and-services/reach- peer-mentoring-program
Respondents Name: Diane Watters
Email: dbuck@bsu.edu