The First Generation Initiative Mentor Program connects current UC Davis students with UC Davis graduate students through the shared experience of being a first-generation college student. Our goal for the program is to provide first-generation students the knowledge, confidence, and tools to grow their network and advance in their career endeavors.

Students will gain guidance for research and graduate school, or professional development and career direction, while fostering a relationship with a person who can be a mentor and role model.

The mentoring relationship will last for the entire Fall Quarter beginning October 8, 2021. This program outcome will be evaluated at the end of the quarter on December 11, 2021.

APPLICATION DUE DATE : OCTOBER 8, 2021

PROGRAM TIMELINE:
Week 1-2] Mentees are matched
[Week 3] Mentees reach out to mentor
[Weeks 3-9] Mentors and mentees meet biweekly, 4-5 times, during the quarter.
[Week 10] At the end of the quarter, we ask that all mentees and mentors complete a survey
Mentor pairs are free to continue meeting on their own after the quarter.

Expectations:
-Proactively connect at least once a month with your mentor and commit to expectations set by the program
-Complete a survey at the end of the quarter
-Write up your mentorship experience for the FirstGen website

Eligibility
-There is no GPA requirement, but students must be in good academic standing.
-Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at UC Davis.
-Be in your third or fourth year
-Seeking advice/leadership/connection to get involved with research or graduate school
-Matching will be based on a combination of factors including preferences selected by mentees and overlap in interests and background identified in program registration questions.
-This mentorship program is intended for students who have not had other opportunities for mentorship through existing programs (such as CAMP, MURPPS, ...)
-This program is for first-generation college students. UC Davis defines first-generation college students as students where neither parent/guardian has completed a four-year degree.

You will receive an email notification once you are matched to your mentor or mentee. Spots are limited and if not matched, you are encouraged to utilize the First Generation directory to connect with first Gen faculty.

Ready to apply? Fall quarter applications are due by October 8, 2021