Daraja Program

Mentors

We desperately need mentors in the following fields:

• Business
• Medicine
• Sports Managing
• Electrical Engineering
• Entertainment Law
• Construction Contracting

Robin Ikeman and her son, Booker T. (center), Daraja Project Class of 2004, and his mentor, Oakland City Public Defender, Chad Smiley, participated in the annual Daraja Mentor and Family Social.

"Let each one teach one." - Dr. Mary McCleod Bethune

What is the Mentor Program?

Part of the success and appeal of the Daraja Project is our Mentor Program. The philosophy behind this mentor component is based on the famous statement made by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune: “Let each one, teach one.”

Mentors are a key component in the Daraja Project. In fact, the opportunity to have a worksite learning experience with a mentor in the business or professional community is one of the main reasons that students enroll in the program. This unique opportunity for college students helps them to become aware of the real world of work, the skills and education necessary to be able to succeed in the business and professional arena, and the human qualities that are the basis for success at work as well as in private life. Students write detailed essays about their mentor meetings and experiences, sharing their findings with a wider audience through oral presentation of their essays.

Both mentors and students gain from the relationship. Mentors are able to remain in touch with the status and realities of students struggling to gain an education in an increasingly complex world. Students are able to view, face-to-face, professionals, with whom they can relate, who have succeeded, often against great odds, in entering a chosen occupation. This leads students to believe “I can do it too.” The value of a mentor or positive role model to the success of a student has been well documented as has been the personal satisfaction gained from being a mentor.

Daraja Program students often say they feel like they are part of a family with students, staff, and mentors.

What is the criteria to be a Daraja Mentor?

The criteria to become a mentor in the Daraja Project are the following: You must be a college or technical school graduate, employed in a business, professional or technical position, of good character, and interested in helping young people become educated. Persons employed in the arts, health care and law-enforcement occupations who have not completed a college degree, but have a specialized talent or have completed a specialized training program also qualify. You must be willing to spend a minimum of 3 hours per year (1 1/2 hours per semester) being interviewed by a student at your work site. That’s all!

Just 3 hours per year!

Daraja Project Mentors are successful business men and women in the community who want to help African-American students succeed.

How do I become a Daraja Mentor?

Review the criteria for being a mentor. Call 510-732-6747 or email us to find out more about the Mentor Program or request a brochure. We will be pleased to add your name to our list and will call you as soon as a student requests a mentor in your occupational area. You need not serve every year. To refer other potential mentors, just call or email and give us their names, occupations, business addresses and phone numbers or suggest that they call us directly.

Can I do more as a Daraja Mentor?

In Fall 2004, the Daraja Project held its first Advisory Board Meeting. The Board consists of Daraja Project staff, administration, instructors, mentors, and alumni, and community leaders.

The Daraja Advisory Board meets once per academic semester with sub-committees holding additional meetings at their convenience to focus on certain projects.

Mentors wishing to be a part of the Advisory Board should contact Mrs. Jeanne Wilson at 510-732-6747 or via email to find out detailed information.