Project Spotlight

Initiative Description

The Mentoring Program built community between SSW alumni and current students.

“The project was to start a Yuma mentoring program, to help our current students pair up with students who just graduated as they enter the job market as a way to communicate with alumni who are already on the job market…Before building a formal mentorship program it was evident we needed build a community of social workers… During the event we created a “networking bingo” helping participants get to know one each other. We also had a series of questions about how to build community and the needs of social workers here.”

Initiative Impact

Students participated in activities that provided insights on how to support them.

“We learned that our students (current and alumni) have a strong desire to work and support each other. Participants gave several ideas including creating a Facebook group to share ideas and job leads (which has been created). Although we had to make adaptations to the original plan I believe end results were very positive. We have a strong foundation to help create a social work community in this underserved area.”

What’s next?

TheYuma Mentoring Program hopes to host multiple networking events each year.

“Since the event we have created a Facebook group, started planning a licensure workshop (another suggestion from event) and have discussed a proposed budget with the School of Social Work to do two larger networking events per year.”