This paper outlines a unique mentoring collaboration between a joint-use community-university library, a university branch of the American Association of University Women (aauW), and PACE Center for Girls Broward, Florida, “a non-residential delinquency prevention program, targeting females 12 to 18 who are identified as dependent, truant, runaway, delinquent, or in need of academic skills” (PACE, 2013). The collaboration has provided much-needed support for PACE girls and women college students who are primarily first generation and minorities at higher risk of not earning their college degrees. Anecdotal evidence and pre- and post-surveys indicate all students gaining an increased understanding of their personalities, values and strengths. Students, faculty and staff report students have and show a stronger sense of self- confidence and commitment to their education. 

It is well documented that successful completion of nursing education programs for underrepresented minority students is challenging. In an effort to address these challenges, Marquette University College of Nursing launched a project entitled Marquette University: Promoting Minority BSN Student Success, funded by a Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) grant. One of the stated objectives of the project was to develop retention strategies that support underrepresented minority BSN students to be successful and graduate. A mentoring program was developed as one of the core initiatives in support of this objective. Researchers have shown that when undergraduate nursing students form stable mentoring relationships with other students, dedicated faculty and staff, and/or practicing registered nurses, they are more likely to be successful in their nursing education programs. Student mentees and mentors, as well as registered nurse mentors, who participated in the mentoring program, have reported positive outcomes as evidenced by end of semester focus group discussions. This paper describes the four phase mentoring program developed to promote successful mentoring relationships and analysis of the mentors’/mentees’ focus group data.