Norco College is excited to announce the recruitment phase for its innovative mentorship program in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Inland Empire. Launched as a pilot program exclusive to Norco College in 2022, this initiative aims to foster career readiness, community engagement, and personal growth among students through one-on-one mentorship.

The program, dubbed the Post-Secondary Workplace Mentorship, pairs students with faculty, managers, administrators, and classified professionals from Norco College. This unique setup allows a diverse group of mentors to share their professional experiences, offer guidance, and support students' career aspirations.

"Community service has always been my passion," said Stephanie Karnes the program's liaison and facilitator at Norco College. "It's incredibly fulfilling to see students gain a sense of community and direction through these mentorship relationships."

The program is now entering its third cohort, reflecting its growing momentum and positive impact. Unlike other support systems that target specific demographics, this mentorship casts a wide net, welcoming any student interested in professional growth. Matches are made based on shared interests and disciplines, ensuring a meaningful connection between mentors and mentees.

Workshops are held monthly, virtually via Zoom, and cover a range of career-focused topics such as job searching strategies, resume building, and navigating professional journeys. These sessions are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful career development.

The recruitment phase for both mentors and mentees is currently underway, with the next cohort set to begin in October 2024. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Specialists will be on campus, Tuesday July 30th from 11:30am-1:30pm to meet with interested mentors.

A picture from the 2023 big brothers and big sisters meeting at Norco College.

(A picture from the 2023 big brothers and big sisters meeting at Norco College.)

Info sessions are 30 minutes long and interested mentors are encouraged to attend anytime. Information sessions and sign-up opportunities for students will be available at various campus events, including Welcome Day and Club Rush Week. Additionally, outreach efforts include grassroots marketing and email blasts to engage both virtual and on-campus students.

"We're thrilled to see the strong response from both students and my colleagues at Norco," Stephanie added. "Our goal is to match 15 mentor-mentee pairs, and we're well on our way with several sign-ups already confirmed."

There is no official deadline for sign-ups, but prospective participants are encouraged to register soon to secure their place in the upcoming cohort before September.

To join as a mentor, please complete the mentor application: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4844831

To join as a student, please fill out the student application form: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4844832

Norco College is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive educational environment. With a focus on career readiness and community engagement, Norco College offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to empower students and foster personal and professional growth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a renowned organization dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Through mentorship, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to inspire, encourage, and uplift young people across various communities.

For additional information, please contact:

Gisselle Barron
Senior Workplace Mentoring and Recruitment Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Email: Gbaron@iebigs.org
Website: https://www.iebigs.org/postsecondarywpm/

Norco College Liaison
Stephanie Karnes
CTE Projects Specialist 
Email: Send Email