Mentor Collective, based in Boston, MA, is a brand that specializes in providing mentorship programs for students in higher education. Recognizing the impact that mentorship has on student success and retention, Mentor Collective aims to bridge the gap by offering formal mentorship programs that connect incoming students with experienced and dedicated mentors. According to a 2021 Student Voice survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, only a minority of students were paired with mentors through formal mentorship programs.

However, among those who did participate in such programs, the satisfaction rate was high at 86 percent. To address this need, Mentor Collective has collaborated with Augusta University in Georgia to launch the Jags4Jags Mentoring Program. Incoming students at Augusta University will now have the opportunity to be connected with peer mentors who can provide guidance and support as they navigate their college journey.

Mentor Collective works closely with Augusta University to facilitate the mentorship process. They provide the infrastructure and technology to match mentors with mentees, while Augusta University takes charge of recruiting and retaining participants. An important aspect of the program is the use of data, analytics, and insights provided by Mentor Collective to support the work of Augusta University.

The program aims to unify and streamline existing peer mentoring initiatives at Augusta University, including the African American Male Initiative and the Multicultural Mentorship Program. It will provide additional tracking, analytics, and resources for mentors and staff. To establish peer mentorships, current students are recruited as mentors.

Mentors and mentees complete a survey, providing information about their background and personal philosophy around mentorship. Mentors then undergo training to prepare for their role, and pairings are made using an algorithm. The mentorship process is flexible, with meetings and communication frequency determined by the mentors and mentees.

One unique feature of the program is the ability for mentors to create alerts for university staff if a mentee expresses a need for additional support. This ensures that students receive timely assistance from the appropriate department. Augusta University has actively promoted the mentorship program through launch events and ongoing recruitment efforts, aiming to engage a diverse group of mentors reflective of the institution's student population.

In summary, Mentor Collective is a brand that partners with institutions like Augusta University to provide formal mentorship programs for students. Their collaborative efforts aim to enhance student success, retention, and satisfaction by connecting incoming students with experienced peer mentors. Through their technology and support, Mentor Collective helps institutions establish and streamline mentorship initiatives, ultimately benefiting the overall college experience for students