A²MEND has provided mentorship opportunities for African American males enrolled in California’s community college system since the organization’s establishment. Since then, hundreds of students have been a part of our mentoring program and have benefited from the opportunity of having a caring mentor and engaged professional who has assisted and guided them at the critical junctures in their academic journey.
The A²MEND Mentor Initiative provides support, guidance, professional development and networking opportunities for new and existing students enrolled in a community college based in California. Student mentees also have the opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors within the program through a number of professional development programs and events.
Students will be matched with a mentor who works in our system based on similar educational and career interests. In addition, A²MEND will provide both mentor and mentee training that ensures that both students and professionals receive maximum benefit for being a part of this game changing initiative.
I wanted to become an A²MEND mentee so that I could feel a part of something that resembled me and my struggle. I got to see what individuals were capable of, individuals that looked and sounded like me. This was the first time that I had ever been exposed to successful, educated and positive men and women of color supporting one another. I wanted to be a part of that.
–David Perez, A²MEND Mentee