Eastern Kentucky University’s Office of Regional Stewardship has partnered with Berea Partners for Education to create and implement an E-Mentoring Program with the Knox Promise Neighborhood that serves as an interactive, online college and career readiness course. For three semesters now, this E-Mentoring Program has been implemented in several Knox County Schools. The E-mentors are EKU student interns who interact with the students on discussion boards to brainstorm ideas, act as a support, and answer questions students may have about their future as they navigate the course curriculum.
This nine-lesson program incorporates significant topics such as, goal setting, financial literacy, and skills needed in the workplace. The curriculum and discussions about these topics are designed to encourage exploration of oneself, as well as the educational and career opportunities in the area. Within this program, students will have the opportunity to watch virtual tours of local colleges, to hear from representatives from those colleges, and to learn from professionals in the region.
“The main goal of this program is to teach students that they can be successful in many ways,” said Mikayla Estepp, the e-mentoring program coordinator. “As long as they are resilient, their goals can be met.”
The Knox Promise Neighborhood E-mentoring Program brings a blend of both online interaction and face-to-face accountability that will capture the attention and interest of the students. As a result of completing the program, students will have a better understanding of the goals they set for themselves, a clearer path to reaching their goals, an understanding of higher education, and a knowledge of career paths available to them.
“No matter what degree students wish to earn, it is important that they are aware of the many paths they can take to get there,” Estepp said.
As the program expands to more schools around the area, EKU student interns are needed for the position of e-mentor. This position is available to any major, but is most beneficial for education majors, who will interact with students in classrooms every day. This position meets the requirements for internship hours needed for graduation.
If you are interested in the position of e-mentor, please consider the requirements below and apply online at http://jobs.eku.edu/postings/14221
This is a 10 week position, working 20 hours per week at $10 an hour.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Communicate the Promise Neighborhood mission and vision to students
• Monitor Blackboard submissions daily for appropriate content
• Provide feedback to students on their assignment and discussion submissions
• Operate standard office equipment – computer, telephone
• Operate Blackboard (training provided)
• Knowledge of challenges facing low-income and first-generation college students in rural areas
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate clearly through technology and in person
Confidentiality and background check, including social media check.
Required Education: HS Diploma
Experience Preferred:
• One (1) year of experience working with youth/young adults in a group and one-to-one setting.
• Familiarity with college access and success best practices, including post-secondary financial aid.
Locations include EKU Main Richmond Campus and EKU Corbin.
If you have any questions about this program or internship position, please contact Mikayla Estepp at Mikayla.estepp@eku.edu or (859)622-5700.