Abstract:
Literature has documented the underrepresentation of minority students in higher education and the importance of mentoring programs in retaining these students in the academy. This study examines the perceptions of mentoring and actual mentoring experiences of minority students participating in two Summer Research Opportunity Programs (SROPs) at Iowa State University. Seven mentoring functions (Clarity of Project, Challenging Assignment, Training,
Contact, Assistance, Feedback and Role Modeling) were identified through the literature as being important in the mentoring relationship. Findings indicated that the students’ mentoring experience was better than expected, but students also noted that mentors should devote more attention to the Clarity of Project, Training, Contact and Role Modeling functions. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of mentoring in SROPs. Implications for
practice and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Keywords:
minority students, mentoring programs, SROPs, Summer Research Opportunity Programs
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