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Breaking Barriers: Unraveling First-Generation Students’ Social Networks for Success

Reference: Wittner, B., Barthauer, L., & Kauffeld, S. (2023). Accessibility and mobilisation of social capital in first-generation students’ social networks—A mixed-methods approach. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 25(2), 254–278. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025120979643 Summarized By: Ariel Ervin About the Study First-generation college students are an underrepresented population who are less likely to start a […]

AI is making networking and social skills more critical. Are your students prepared?

By Robert Markle, Reprinted from SmartBrief In an AI-driven future, social skills aren’t just a plus; they’re a prerequisite. Between 1980 and 2012, jobs requiring social skills surged by almost 12%, while their less social counterparts dwindled by 3.3%. By 2030, demand for social skills is projected to skyrocket 26% across all industries. But social […]

The vital importance of social networks in the lives of vulnerable youth

Nevard, I., Green, C., Bell, V., Gellatly, J., Brooks, H., & Bee, P. (2020). Conceptualising the social networks of vulnerable children and young people: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01968-9 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Vulnerable youth have a higher risk of contracting physical illnesses, mental health issues, unhealthy […]

Profiles in mentoring: Professor Sarah Schwartz

Six Questions with Sarah Schwartz: Youth-Initiated Mentoring and the Connected Scholars Program By Justin Preston   Mentoring programs across the country are often faced with two interconnected, stubborn issues: The shortage of available mentors for young people hoping to be matched with an adult and the high rates of mentor drop out. The former issue […]

It’s not what you know….: The case for a networked approach to mentoring

by Jean Rhodes According to a recent Gallup poll  successful college students have one important thing in common–they all had one or more teachers who were mentors who took an interest in their hopes and dreams.  “We think it’s a big deal” where we go to college,” Gallup’s Brandon Busteed told the New York Times. But […]