Taylor Center launches Connect for Success Scholars Program
This fall the St. Olaf College Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion launched the Connect for Success Scholars Program, which provides support for first-year students of similar background and culture — such as BIPOC, first-generation, and low-income students — through peer mentorship, community-building events, networking, student-specific programming, and career exploration.
“This is not an academic mentoring program — this is a program about supporting our students through tools and opportunities that will contribute to their everyday lives and decision making,” says Taylor Center Assistant Director Damian Waite.
Peer mentorship is important in helping students navigate their first year of college. The Connect for Success Scholars program pairs students with mentors who help them accomplish their goals.
“These students are our leaders, both on and off campus. This program enriches our college and is a positive support.”
Taylor Center Assistant Director Damian Waite
In collaboration with the Piper Center for Vocation and Career and the Academic Success Center, students have access to programming specifically tailored toward the needs of first-generation and first-year students. Workshops will help students think about setting future goals, resume writing, and how to maximize their time on campus. The Taylor Center also offers events that enable students to connect with other first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The Connect for Success Scholars Program will be available for all students to sign up. Some of the new features included in this program will be the Gallup Strengthsfinder quiz, financial literacy workshops, cultural excursions, and the new “Challenge Season 1” that helps students connect with the St. Olaf campus and community during their first year.
Waite says the work of the Connect for Success Scholars Program is more important than ever, and it’s been a delight to work with peer mentors and support their development.
“These students are our leaders, both on and off campus,” Waite says. “This program enriches our college and is a positive support.”