Navigating uncharted waters—the effect of mentoring on the success and retention of first-generation college students at two Texas community colleges: A case study

• Main Author: Davis, Patricia L
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2010
• Subjects: Community college education; Higher education; Higher Education Administration
• ISBN: 9781124250045; 1124250042

This case study examined the perceptions of a group of first-generation community college students regarding the effect of their participation in a formal mentoring program on their success and retention. Study participants were identified with the help of administrators at two community colleges, one located in a large urban area and the other in a smaller, more rural location. Data were collected through individual interviews with the mentees. The themes that were developed through the course of these interviews illustrated the views of the participants regarding the correlation between their academic success and program persistence and the mentoring experience. The results demonstrate the kinds of value these students placed on mentors and mentoring and the ways in which they perceived that the mentoring relationship affected their college experience. The findings of this study will be useful to college administrators and program directors in improving communication between mentors and mentees, in developing training for mentors, in increasing understanding of program goals and intended outcomes on the part of students, and in understanding the challenges and expectations of first-generation students.