The Black Colleagues Association (BCA) is expanding opportunities to engage fellow alumni. One way is through building meaningful relationships with current Redbirds.
The BCA established its mentorship committee to continue the good work of the scholarship committee by maintaining intentional, supportive relationships with BCA scholarship recipients. Annually, BCA awards approximately 20 scholarships and will now add a mentorship component for continued opportunities for networking and student engagement for our alumni while building up our scholars’ toolkits as they prepare for life after college.
Additionally, Illinois State introduced the SOAR Scholar Academy (Supporting, Opportunity, Actualization, and Realization) to the campus in fall 2021. SOAR provides holistic support to scholars as they transition and navigate the University and is designed to address the needs of undergraduate Black men. As part of the program expansion, BCA will facilitate recruiting volunteers to serve as alumni mentors for this program run by Keenan Wimbley, assistant director of academic services in the Julia N. Visor Center.
The guidelines of the program are still being developed and those interested will be asked to attend a training to review expectations prior to serving as a mentor. Complete the mentor interest form by Friday, February 10 to receive more information about participating this spring.
