Sankofa Mentorship Program
The Sankofa Mentorship Program (formerly the Blue, Gold & Black Mentorship Program) is a mentorship program that is facilitated in collaboration between African Student Programs (ASP) and Undergraduate Education (UE). The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides academic-year programming carefully designed to support new Black scholars and all motivated scholars interested in Black culture and history, at the freshmen and transfer level. Support areas include: academic, social, professional, and personal development. Sankofa also pairs mentees with upper-class Black scholars and all interested student mentors who provide peer mentorship throughout the mentee's first year at UCR. The program encourages mentors and protégés to engage with a wide variety of campus opportunities, including professional programs facilitated by African Student Programs staff and programs hosted by various UCR student organizations.
The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides various programming that will expose mentees and peer mentors to...
- Faculty Members
- Staff Members
- Graduate Students
- Alumni
- Community Partners
The Program is strategically designed to connect mentees with diverse groups—including faculty, staff, graduate students, alumni, and community partners—all of whom provide unique insights for navigating the road to success at UCR. The intent of these connections is to spark relationship building. Black scholars and all students engaging with Black culture and history will have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with members of these groups that extend well beyond their first year and graduation from UCR. Participation in the Sankofa Mentorship Program is open to ALL and is not limited only to those who identify as African American or Black. The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.
Program Details
Graduate Students: The Sankofa Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for mentees to spend time and connect with UCR graduate students from various disciplines to engage in informal conversations about successful academic and social habits and practices. Graduate mentors also encourage mentees to consider pursuing advanced degrees after completing their undergraduate studies at UCR.
Faculty Connections: Mentees have the opportunity to actively engage with faculty members from every college and school at UCR. These connections feature impactful conversations led by faculty on a wide range of topics of their expertise.
Staff Engagement: Mentees actively engage with staff from various campus departments and offices. Staff members, eager to support student success, facilitate presentations and discussions on crucial non-academic topics like financial management and holistic wellness.
Peer Connection: The Sankofa Program connects mentees with peer mentors for weekly, sustained support. Mentors and mentees engage jointly in all Sankofa-hosted programs and are encouraged to participate in events and programs organized by UCR's Black student organizations.
Alumni and Community Partners: Sankofa mentees connect with UCR alumni and community partners who are dedicated to supporting the Black community. These interactions feature critical conversations and discussions designed to help mentees succeed both during and after their time at UCR.
How to Participate
If you are ready to join the Sankofa Mentorship Program for the 2023-2024 academic year, please email us at bss@ucr.edu and a member of our team will work on getting you added to the program and assigned a peer mentor!
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Please email us at bss@ucr.edu and a member of our team will be in touch with you.
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered here are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
Visit the following links to learn more: UC Nondiscrimination Statement, UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.