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METAS helps students find home away from home

June 18, 2019

The Mentoring and Engaging thru Academic Success (METAS) peer mentoring program is currently seeking peer mentees for the 2019-20 academic year. The program is designed to provide a welcoming environment and a “home away from home” atmosphere for Latina/o college freshmen by providing social, cultural and academic support. The mentors will assist Latino mentees with their transition and adjustment to college life. In addition, the program is focused on creating a sense of belonging and community, as well as encouraging the academic success and social well-being among Latina/o college freshmen.

The new METAS student program coordinator is Randy Parent. He is majoring in Marketing with a minor in English and Deafness. 

“I want to be the mentor I never had growing up,” Parent said. “This program has helped me become a more disciplined person and has set me up for a successful college career. I gained the leadership, and time management skills I need to network efficiently. Coordinating this program shows the commitment I have to the METAS program and I will continue to do a great deed to serve my community.”

To become a peer mentee, a student must be a Latina/o freshman and full-time student entering in fall 2019, must be available to meet every Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in fall 2019 and spring 2020, and commit a minimum of five hours per week to your mentor and program.

The program is a one-year commitment.

To learn more about becoming a peer mentee, plan to attend the following informational session at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3 at the Latino Resource Center

To apply to become a mentee, please fill out the online application at: go.niu.edu/mentee. The application deadline is Thursday, September 12.

For more information, contact Angélica Mendoza, Assistant Director, Latino Resource Center, at 815-753-8645 or amendoza7@niu.edu.