#United States #Washington #MAPSS Initiative #Mentor Collective #APLU

APLU Launches the MAPSS Initiative

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has launched a groundbreaking new initiative aimed at enhancing student success through mentorship. With a substantial grant of $1.3 million from the ECMC Foundation, the Mentorship for Academic & Personalized Student Success (MAPSS) Initiative is set to be a game-changer for six selected APLU member universities.

The Vision Behind MAPSS

The MAPSS Initiative is designed to develop and implement sustainable peer mentorship models within these institutions, leveraging innovative technology provided by Mentor Collective, a recognized leader in student success solutions. This three-year program aims to improve peer mentoring, which has been recognized as a powerful tool for promoting student success. Erin Mayhood, CEO of Mentor Collective, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the commitment to equipping universities with data-driven tools and resources that address barriers to student achievement.

The Role of Mentor Collective

Mentor Collective will provide its renowned technology platform to these institutions, enabling them to gather meaningful data that can help identify challenges faced by students. This data-driven approach aims not only to enhance individual support but also to optimize overall strategies for improving student outcomes.

Karen Vignare, the Vice President for Digital Transformation at APLU, highlighted the potential for this initiative to refine peer mentoring programs, stating, "We know peer mentoring can be a powerful way to help students thrive, and this work will help more institutions more fully leverage peer mentoring to advance student success."

The involvement of the ECMC Foundation, particularly its president Jacob Fraire, underscores the significance of mentorship in fostering student success. Fraire noted that well-structured mentorship programs provide vital support and resources that contribute significantly to a sense of belonging and academic achievement among students. He expressed pride in supporting a program such as MAPSS, which is poised to tackle systemic challenges in student success.

How Institutions Can Participate

APLU member institutions are invited to apply for participation in this pioneering initiative. They can join a community of practice led by APLU, build institutional capacity for sustainable mentorship programs, and access Mentor Collective's advanced technology. The deadline for applications is set for December 20, 2024, with the program running from 2025 to 2027. Interested universities are encouraged to reach out to APLU staff for detailed instructions on the application process.

About Mentor Collective and APLU

Founded with a vision of fostering student engagement and success, Mentor Collective partners with various educational institutions to improve retention rates and prepare students for their future careers. By establishing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships based on shared backgrounds, they aim to promote academic achievement and personal development.

On the other hand, the APLU has a rich history dating back to 1887. As North America’s oldest higher education association, it represents nearly 250 public research universities and emphasizes increasing access and equity in education. The launch of the MAPSS Initiative is a notable step in APLU's ongoing commitment to empower institutions and support their mission in public research and community engagement.

By supporting this initiative, APLU and Mentor Collective are not only addressing immediate student needs but are also paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that fosters long-term success.