Developing a culture of mentoring: promoting, experiencing, and engaging in mentoring through a transitional undergraduate research program for students of color

In this critical qualitative study, we examined how mentoring in a college bridge program for first-year students from historically marginalized backgrounds contributed to the development of a culture of mentoring. Participants included 24 students who participated in Project Scholar, and four staff members who worked for the program. We utilized Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth theory as a theoretical framework to analyze students’ experiences. Initial findings revealed that participation in Project Scholar and mentoring in the program contributed to a culture of mentoring both within the program and among the broader Community of Color on campus. Community cultural wealth among students, staff, and alumni of Project Scholar was instrumental in promoting a culture of mentoring in the program and among the Community of Color on campus. We conclude by discussing implications for research and practice and providing a novel conceptual model for creating a culture of mentoring.