NCC Launches Inaugural Mentorship Program

This past fall of 2024, Northampton Community College (NCC) launched its first mentorship program with students in the residence halls on Bethlehem campus. Designed to provide guidance and support to students, the program aims to bridge gaps in academic success, belonging, and overall student support. 

The initiative welcomed 18 mentees, primarily Black and Latino males, who were paired with mentors invested in their success. Research conducted by NCC's Dr. Janelle Howey, associate dean of students and mentorship program lead, highlighted the specific challenges faced by minority males in higher education, including academic success gaps, difficulties in the classroom, and a lack of belonging. This program addressed these disparities by offering consistent, personalized support.   

“The fact that you care is huge. If you say you’re going to check in at the end of the week, and you follow through, that means something. Students don't care what you know until they know that you care,” Howey said. “The program provides a home away from home for students, helping them navigate both academic and personal challenges while connecting them with campus resources and opportunities.” 

The mentorship model focused on one-on-one relationships, ensuring that each student had a trusted advocate to support them through the semester. Mentors like NCC’s Orientation Program Coordinator, Amanda Charlton, have found the experience deeply fulfilling. “Being a part of the Mentorship Program has been an incredible experience, and I feel very lucky that I was able to be a part of my mentee’s journey at NCC,” she shared. 

“I have done my best to be a resource and support, and have had the pleasure of witnessing all that my mentee has accomplished—including holding an event in the residence hall promoting the mentorship program, signing up for two job shadow positions, attending student discussions, and even just stopping by my office to chat! Even though we recognize we are different, we both learned that mentorship is much more about being present, invested, and encouraging him to be his best self. I am very proud to be his mentor and a part of this program.” 

For many mentees, stability is a crucial factor in their success. The mentorship model includes weekly check-ins, casual lunch meetings, and ongoing communication through texts and calls. Mentors help students with academic concerns, personal challenges, and logistical processes like financial aid. Mentors also find creative ways to build connections. One mentor bonded with his mentee over a shared love of track and field. 

“It was a good program to help find somebody to look up to and learn from,” said NCC student and program participant, Jan Rosa Hernandez. 

While this inaugural program focuses on minority male students, NCC hopes to expand its mentorship efforts to include programming for minority female students. NCC’s Center for Community, Equity, and Inclusion (CCEI) held monthly chat sessions where students chose a topic they wanted to discuss, i.e. post-election discussions, in a safe space. Howey also held monthly mentor meetings where mentors shared thoughts on what worked best with their mentees and what could be improved. 

As the program grows, the most rewarding outcome, mentors say, will be seeing these students cross the graduation stage in the coming years. The impact of mentorship extends beyond academics. It fosters a culture of connection and personal development. 

"The college experience can often feel overwhelming and transactional for many students. As a mentor, I've discovered that meaningful interactions between mentors and mentees fosters a supportive environment. This mentoring relationship transforms the college journey into a more relational and enriching experience, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved," said Ismael Arcelay, mentor and NCC’s senior assistant director of admissions. 

If interested in participating in this program, please contact Dr. Janelle Howey at 610-332-6075 or jhowey@northampton.edu.