RETENTION & MENTORING ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS K.I.N.G.S and Project C.L.A.S.S. mentoring programs engage underserved students by supporting their educational and professional aspirations through academic enhancement, character enrichment, leadership and career development. The academic enrichment programs are designed to work with FSCJ students of color to enhance their collegiate career focusing on communication, dress, etiquette, academics, and more. Both programs consist of a 12-week enrichment program designed to address specific issues for persons of color. Each programmeets once a week at discussing topics based on academics, relationships, budgeting, dress, and etiquette. Project C.L.A.S.S. began Fall 2018. K.I.N.G.S. begins in Spring 2019. Each program provides participants with mentoring, a business suit and an opportunity to be awarded a scholarship up to $1000. The sessions were held every Tuesday from 2:30 p.m.5 p.m. at FSCJ’s Kent Campus. These weekly sessions provided students with tools to improve their academic careers, develop themselves professionally and also included interpersonal advice. Students would also meet with different professors and staff members, mentoring them with individualized tools necessary for their success in the program, as a college student and as a member of society. The tools students received incorporated a portfolio, etiquette book, a business suit, mock business setting, and many more life lessons. Participants who successfully navigated their goals throughout the 12-week program are given a business suit, photoshoot, business cards and headshots. Members of the cohort are video interviewed to discuss their progress and how they feel they have grown in the program. At the end of the term the cohort is given an awards banquet. A decision is then made on which student wins the scholarship.
10
