PEER MENTORING PROGRAM

Peer Mentoring Program

The Kawerak Peer Mentoring Program is designed to pair a third- or fourth-year student as a mentor to a first- or second-year student as a mentee. Mentors provide support services, offer resources, and help the incoming students adjust to life in college.

The program seeks to support first- and second-year students in accomplishing their academic goals, provide a support system and sense of community on campus, and strengthen connection to cultural identity for all participants.

Benefits

Peer Mentors (for incoming juniors and seniors)

• Earn $1000 monthly stipends
• Develop your leadership and support skills
• Participate in Alaska Native cultural activities
• Strengthen your local network of peers
• Gain experience to include on your resume

Peer Mentee Benefits (for incoming/first-year freshmen and sophomores)

• Enhance your academic experience
• Receive direct support from a peer
• Learn about university resources and support systems
• Participate in Alaska Native cultural activities
• Strengthen your local network of peers

Eligibility Criteria 

Peer Mentors

• Students in Junior class standing or higher (class standing during period of mentorship)
• Kawerak scholarship recipients with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Enrolled in UAA or UAF and living in the community where their school is located
• Must be in good academic standing
• Able to pass a Tribally Approved Background Check

Peer Mentees

• Students in Freshman and Sophomore class standing (class standing during period of mentorship, freshmen are preference but sophomores will be considered)
• Kawerak scholarship recipients
• Enrolled in UAA or UAF and living in the community where their school is located
• Able to pass a Tribally Approved Background Check

Program Expectations

Mentors and mentees meet every two weeks throughout the academic year. Kawerak will host monthly gatherings to connect with Alaska Native cultures from the Bering Strait region and to create networking opportunities.

Apply to be a Mentor or Mentee

To apply for the Kawerak Peer Mentoring Program as a mentor or mentee, complete the online form (link below) – or download and complete a Mentor Application or Mentee Application .

Applications can be completed and submitted online or emailed to the Kawerak Higher Education department at he@kawerak.org. If you have questions, contact the Higher Education department email or call the Peer Mentoring Coordinator Brandi Wheelehan at 907-434-6919.

For Incoming Freshmen/Sophomores: 

For Incoming Juniors/Seniors: 

Program Timeline

Peer Mentors

• Application Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024
• Interviews: May, 2024
• Period of Participation: August 2024 – May 2025
• REQUIRED: Attend CTP Camp: Mid August, 2024. Camp will be located in Anchorage, travel will be provided.

Peer Mentees

• Application Deadline: Monday, July 1, 2024
• Interviews: July 2024
• Period of Participation: August 2024 – May 2025