Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Student-Athlete Mentorship Program
Student-Athletes Launch Black Mentorship Program
12/22/2020 12:14:00 PM | 'Cats Give Back
Sponsored by Northwestern Medicine, the 'Cats Give Back program seeks to enhance the overall educational experience of student-athletes by connecting Wildcats to service-oriented and philanthropic activities in the Evanston and Chicagoland communities.
During the fall quarter, sixteen student-athletes participated in a black mentorship program with Gale Community Academy, an elementary school located in Rogers Park within the Chicago Public School district.
The purpose of the program was to provide support to 27 students in 8th grade as they navigated the high school enrollment process. The program helped the students identify their current and future interests and recognize how those interests can be applied to the selection process.
Northwestern men's basketball alum, Barret Benson '19, was one of three student-athletes who brought the idea forward to find opportunities to connect with students in the Chicago Public School district. While the initial goal of the program was to help the class through the high school enrollment process, Benson hopes to build upon the topics covered and strengthen the relationships developed with the students. Benson explains, "the larger goal of the program is to create meaningful relationships between our BIPOC student-athlete mentors, our Gale mentees, and their communities. By providing mentorship, and creating lasting relationships, we look to expand horizons and provide guidance in all facets of life including their minds, bodies and communities."
Women's basketball junior Sydney Wood and volleyball senior Alana Walker also played critical roles in the launch of the program. Wood states that the program led her to, "want to continue to engage with the broader community outside of Northwestern as a black student-athlete."
When reflecting on the program, Benson explains, "the program took me back to my high school days, and it personally rejuvenated me seeing the excitement and nerves that our mentees worked through. Hearing their interests and hobbies slowly become something they decide to study and pursue was refreshing and exciting. As I began to see their paths it encouraged me to refocus on mine."
As part of this year's 'Cats Give Back programming, one community outreach initiative will be featured every month through the 12 Months of Giving program.
During the fall quarter, sixteen student-athletes participated in a black mentorship program with Gale Community Academy, an elementary school located in Rogers Park within the Chicago Public School district.
The purpose of the program was to provide support to 27 students in 8th grade as they navigated the high school enrollment process. The program helped the students identify their current and future interests and recognize how those interests can be applied to the selection process.
Northwestern men's basketball alum, Barret Benson '19, was one of three student-athletes who brought the idea forward to find opportunities to connect with students in the Chicago Public School district. While the initial goal of the program was to help the class through the high school enrollment process, Benson hopes to build upon the topics covered and strengthen the relationships developed with the students. Benson explains, "the larger goal of the program is to create meaningful relationships between our BIPOC student-athlete mentors, our Gale mentees, and their communities. By providing mentorship, and creating lasting relationships, we look to expand horizons and provide guidance in all facets of life including their minds, bodies and communities."
Women's basketball junior Sydney Wood and volleyball senior Alana Walker also played critical roles in the launch of the program. Wood states that the program led her to, "want to continue to engage with the broader community outside of Northwestern as a black student-athlete."
When reflecting on the program, Benson explains, "the program took me back to my high school days, and it personally rejuvenated me seeing the excitement and nerves that our mentees worked through. Hearing their interests and hobbies slowly become something they decide to study and pursue was refreshing and exciting. As I began to see their paths it encouraged me to refocus on mine."
As part of this year's 'Cats Give Back programming, one community outreach initiative will be featured every month through the 12 Months of Giving program.
'Cats Give Back - Family Focus of Evanston Food Drive (12/6/19)
Friday, December 06
Swimming & Diving - Breast Stroke for Breast Cancer
Wednesday, December 04
Northwestern Community Service Day 2017
Tuesday, June 13
'Cats Give Back - Softball Volunteers with Toys for Tots
Wednesday, November 30
