Building Connections, Creating Futures: Peak Education’s Mentorship Program in Action

In early October, Peak Education scholars and local community mentors gathered for our latest mentorship meeting, filling the room with dynamic energy and conversation.

Peak Education’s mentorship program intentionally pairs scholars with adults who share their interests or career aspirations. Mentors commit to meeting with their students at least once a month, serving as reliable guides throughout their academic and personal journeys. Beyond standard guidance, these targeted pairings often open doors to shadow opportunities, internships, and professional networks scholars might not otherwise access.

For first-generation college-bound students, this type of mentorship is transformative. Navigating high school, college applications, and post-secondary transitions can feel daunting without prior family blueprint. Mentors help demystify these pathways, build self-advocacy and confidence, and offer practical guidance on everything from financial aid to career exploration. Research consistently shows that structured mentorship significantly boosts post-secondary enrollment, persistence, and degree completion for first-generation youth.

"It is exciting to see the energy in the room when they meet," said Jaz Talley, who leads the mentorship program for Peak Education. "Some mentors and scholars stay together for years and continue to connect after the student has graduated college. It is powerful when our students have additional adults in the community that are helping and working with students for a better future."

Peak Education is continuously seeking dedicated community members to join our mentor network. While we carefully align volunteer expertise with scholar goals—meaning a match isn't always immediate—we are always eager to expand our pool of local leaders.

New mentor pairing will happen again in the fall of 2027. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or have questions about the program, please reach out to Jaz Talley at jtalley@peakedu.org .