Waukesha County Technical College - Feature: Multicultural Student Mentoring Program Creates Important Connections

Press release from the Waukesha County Technical College - Feature:

December 14, 2021

Life can be a balancing act, especially when adding ‘student’ to an already full roster of roles – employee, parent, spouse, caregiver WCTC’s Multicultural Student Mentoring Program (MSMP) was established in 2013 with a vision to empower students to become successful leaders in their communities. The program serves underrepresented students, including students of color, LGBTQ+, low-income, first-generation and undocumented students. Participants can connect with peer and faculty mentors, access academic support, and participate in community engagement opportunities and monthly leadership workshops. Since its inception, the MSMP has served more than 300 students, with approximately 100 faculty and staff members participating as mentors. Its value is clear: students recently involved in the program had an 85 percent retention rate and an average GPA of 3.0 – but academic success is just the beginning. Keva Estrada’s story exemplifies how the MSMP can serve as a launchpad for big dreams and meaningful connections. Estrada first earned a Language Interpreter for Health Services technical diploma from WCTC in 2014 and recently returned to pursue an associate degree in Human Services.

"As a mother of two teenagers, one of whom has autism, time management and planning are key to not losing my mind while doing well in school," said Estrada. "It is a challenge to be a parent, student, partner and employee. My motivation to do well in school is the fact that I am modeling to my children and others that hard work and integrity lead to success."

One of those connections was with her staff mentor, Brad Piazza, Ph.D., WCTC’s vice president of Learning. Piazza joined the MSMP as a mentor in 2018 and serves as a resource for questions and guidance, helping students continue their academic journeys. In his three years with the program, Piazza has made many impactful memories. A recent favorite happened in May 2021, when he was able to meet both of his mentees in person for lunch. "We had talked many times via Zoom but had never been in the same room together," he said. "I had so much fun talking and laughing with them about non-school topics!" FROM WCTC IMPACT, FALL 2021 EDITION

This press release was produced by the Waukesha County Technical College - Feature. The views expressed here are the author’s own.