For many freshmen, the first days of college can seem like dropping into dark, deep water. But students like Savaria Parrish find their footing faster thanks to the College of Science’s Diversifying Science Peer Mentor Program, which today received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine.
For Parrish, linking up with a peer mentor was nothing short of transformative.
“As a freshman, I knew very little about the resources available. My mentor helped me identify my needs and pointed me in the right direction,” said Parrish, now a third-year geosciences major. “The Diversifying Science Peer Mentor Program has helped me foster connections that have lasted throughout my time here.”
The Insight Into Diversity award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The College of Science will be featured in the September 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
Award winners were selected based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
“Receiving this award reinforces our commitment to not only educating our students in the classroom, but also to welcoming them into the college and offering a supportive and inclusive environment where they can thrive,” said Estrella Johnson, associate professor of mathematics and the assistant dean for inclusion and diversity in the College of Science.
The Diversifying Science Peer Mentor Program emphasizes relationship building and role-modeling between successful, more advanced science students and beginning science students, especially low-income, first-generation, minority, and female students. Through group and one-on-one settings, the peer mentors create a safe and non-judgmental environment to enhance and enrich the college experience of their mentees. The program has welcomed more than 140 first-year students since it began in 2022 with 105 slated to join the program this fall.
Thanks to generous support from donors, the program continues to grow and expand. Starting this year, the college is partnering with the Virginia Tech Department of Public Health to provide peer mentoring to public health majors. The program is piloting community-building events like Venture Out’s Challenge Course and weekly get togethers for participants as well as building career-development opportunities where students take field trips to learn about careers and connect with alumni.
Students of color, low-income students, first-generation students, and female students face more barriers in building belonging due to an exclusionary culture in STEM. However, students with a strong sense of belonging are more likely to persist in STEM majors.
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
The Diversifying Science Peer Mentoring Program is one step towards making the college more inclusive towards our diverse student body — and it is a step made for and by students like Savaria Parrish, who went on to be a peer mentor herself:
“I make it a point to let my mentees know early on about all the resources—academic or personal—available to help them succeed,” Parrish said.
Written by Jess Hoopengardner, College of Science director of inclusion and diversity
