RISE Peer Mentoring Program

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RISE Peer Mentoring Program (Retention through Interpersonal Student Engagement) is here to help! We aim to positively impact the experience of Black students and their allies at Cal State LA who are either first-time freshmen or transfer students during their first year. We pair new students with continuing students to help them successfully settle into their home away from home.

Join RISE

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There are two paths to join RISE: as a Mentee or Mentor. Read through both and consider which option you would like to explore.

Prospective mentors should display the following qualities:

A team player
Articulate
Eager to help others
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Responsible
Self-motivated
Willingness to learn

Mentor Responsibilities

Attend all training dates and meetings.
Establish and maintain regular contact and communication with your mentees.
Provide support for mentees and fellow mentors where appropriate/possible.
Facilitate small group discussions/meetings with mentor/mentee groups.
See additional responsibilities under 'Time Commitments'.

Benefits

Mentors receive a monetary stipend each semester.
Exclusive Cal State LA gear.
Access to special events and campus opportunities.
A great time working with a team and developing your leadership abilities.

Time Commitments

Mentors must commit to participating in RISE for the entirety of the academic year (August to May).
Summer availability is also strongly desired.
Mentors are required to attend training during the spring semester.
Mentors are expected to maintain weekly communication with their mentees, via phone, email, social media, etc.
Mentors are expected to attend the mentor meetings once a month.
Mentors are expected to meet with their mentees in person at least twice per semester, and more frequently where possible.
Mentors are expected to attend RISE-sponsored or promoted programs, which will take place multiple times throughout the semester.

Get matched with a mentor!

When you complete the application, RISE will match you with a peer mentor. We will do our best to match you with a mentor who shares your interests.

Get to know your mentor!

Mentors want to be in contact with you! Talk to your mentor and decide on the best way to communicate. Most importantly, make time to meet up with your mentor, over lunch, between classes, etc.

Attend campus events and activities!

RISE will invite you to mixers, speaker events, and workshops. But we also want you to attend other campus events with your mentors, such as movie nights, sporting events, and other fun on-campus opportunities.

Mentees will be selected and matched on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mentor / Mentee Application

Student Story

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"As a mentee with the RISE program, I felt that I could be open and felt welcomed. Personally, my mentor goes above and beyond to make me feel like family. Along with others in the program, I feel like I have a welcoming place to go when I need to at Cal State LA. It’s a home away from home."

— Aniyah Stanley