$180,000 grant will allow Blinn to expand student mentoring program

Blinn Navigators help students succeed in college and beyond

November 28, 2022

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently awarded the Blinn College District a $180,000 Student Success Acceleration Program Implementation Grant to support the College’s student mentoring program, Blinn Navigators.

Navigators is a student-centered program in which volunteer faculty and staff support students in achieving their educational and personal goals. Navigators assure that students have a plan for success and connect students to the resources they need to succeed.

Faculty or staff members who volunteer for the program and undergo specialized training establish mentoring relationships with assigned students, connect them to needed College resources, and assist them in creating and implementing a plan for success at Blinn College and beyond. The program is coordinated through the Division of Academic Affairs in collaboration with Student Services.

Through this grant, the program will expand to include:

• trained peer mentors (student Navigators) to serve as liaisons between faculty/staff Navigators and mentees;
• a full-time mentor coordinator and a part-time assistant;
• robust career exploration software;
• technology support, such as check-out computers and temporary internet service;
• mentor program management software;
• and a Mentor Council to oversee implementation.

“Incorporating peer mentors adds new dimensions to Navigators,” said Dr. Joyce Langenegger, Executive Director for Academic Success. “This program expansion will help bridge the gap with student mentees, strengthen mentee program engagement, and supplement program capacity.”

For more information regarding the Blinn Navigators program, visit www.blinn.edu/academics/navigators.html.