About the Program

The Black Scholars Mentor Program is a mentorship initiative housed within the Martin Luther King Jr. Black Student Resource Center that connects Sacramento State students with faculty and staff who are committed to supporting their academic, personal, and professional growth.

Through intentional mentor matching based on career interests, academic disciplines, and professional goals, participants build meaningful relationships that provide guidance, networking opportunities, and insight into navigating higher education and future careers. Mentors and mentees meet virtually once per month throughout the semester, creating a flexible and accessible space for connection, encouragement, and professional development.

The program culminates each semester with in-person gatherings, bringing mentors and mentees together to reflect on their experiences, celebrate accomplishments, and strengthen community connections. Mentors are supported by the MLK Jr. Black Student Resource Center staff with bi-monthly check ins to garner support and discuss logistics.

Whether exploring career options, preparing for graduate school, developing leadership skills, or expanding professional networks, the Black Scholars Mentor Program empowers students to thrive both during their time at the university and beyond.

Program Benefits

• Exclusive merchandise and programming opportunities
• Foster meaningful mentorship relationships between students and professionals.
• Support academic success, career exploration, and personal development.
• Expand students’ professional networks.
• Increase students’ sense of belonging and community.

Eligibility

Mentees:

• Enrolled undergraduate or graduate students.
• Demonstrated interest in professional and personal growth.

Mentors:

• University faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring the next generation of leaders

Mentor Matching Process

Students complete an application identifying:

• Career interests
• Academic major/program
• Leadership and campus involvement
• Reason for seeking mentorship

Mentors complete a profile highlighting:

• Professional experience
• Industry expertise
• Educational background
• Mentoring interests

Program Expectations

Mentors

• Meet with mentees at least once per month via Zoom.
• Provide guidance, encouragement, and professional insight.
• Support goal-setting and career exploration.

Mentees

• Attend monthly meetings.
• Come prepared with questions and goals.
• Engage actively in the mentoring relationship.

Semester Timeline

Beginning of Semester

• Applications open
• Mentor-mentee matching
• Program orientation

Throughout Semester

• Monthly Zoom meetings
• Optional professional development workshops
• Check-ins from Black Resource Center staff

End of Semester

• Reflection and feedback survey
• Black Scholars Mentor Program end of semester gathering

Monthly Themes

September: Ubuntu (Community Bonding)
Goal: Create a relationship bond to enhance your relationship with mentor and mentee that will last a lifetime

October: Cultivate your Leadership
Goal: Inspire your mentee to be an impactful leader on the college campus and in the community.

November: Career Exploration (Explore your passion)
Goal: Explore your mentee career options for their future workforce

December: Harambee (Celebration)
Midterm Review of the program and celebration

February: Umoja (Unity with our Black Community)
Goal: Discuss upcoming Black History Month programming

March: The Power of Networking
Goal: Teach your mentee the power of networking and help them create an effective elevator pitch

April: Preparation for Summer or Graduation
Goal: Review your goals with your mentee

May: Celebration and final review of the program
Celebration of the completion of the program