Up & Coming Weekly

September 05, 2017

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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26 UCW SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2017 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM FTCC's Mighty Male Mentoring Program: Providing Encouragement and a Sense of Pride by THEODORE THOMAS EDUCATION e Mighty Male Mentoring Program is a goal- oriented program designed to support the educational and professional aspirations of minority males (also known as mentees) at Fayetteville Technical Com- munity College. e 3M Program seeks to increase completion of developmental and curriculum courses, retention, graduation rates and rates of transfer to a UNC four-year institution. To accomplish this, the program increases exposure to academic and financial aid advis- ing and to educational, profes- sional and civic opportunities. It's uncontroverted that minor- ity males face many personal challenges and obstacles when it comes to college education program admittance, financial re- sources, job skills, job placement, stereotypes, low grade point aver- ages, low Accuplacer test scores and a sense of future direction, to name a few. is is where the 3M Program steps in with mentors and academic advising. Advising students includes bimonthly meetings that identify some of the challenges and obstacles men- tioned above in order to improve students' knowledge and decision-making skills as well as to increase awareness and identify opportunities for active engage- ment. e design of bimonthly meetings also helps to increase students' team building, communication and leadership skills. Mentoring students involves developing a more per- sonal, one-on-one relationship between student and advisor/mentor. Some of the mentor's duties include coaching students on a par- ticular skill, facilitating growth by sharing knowledge and challenging students to take risks and move beyond their comfort zone. Regular contact — at least twice a month — allows students to bond and identify with their mentor. e 3M Program is more than just worthwhile — it's a game changer. at's because its benefits are permanent. By matching students who have demonstrated a desire to succeed with dedicated faculty and staff members who serve as mentors, rela- tionships are forged that create win-win situations. Not only do the mentees reap tremendous rewards, but also the mentors benefit greatly. e process begins with potential mentees filling out an application that memorializes their commitment to improve both as students and as male members of their communities. Upon acceptance, the mentees complete a contract with their mentors wherein they attest to a plan of action. Mentors are pre-screened to identify their areas of expertise and level of commitment. e bimonthly plenary meetings ensure program par- ticipants stay motivated and augment any individual meetings between mentor and mentee. In addition, numerous activities are available that reinforce the program's mission, purpose and expectations. FTCC's 3M Program continues to grow, and FTCC hopes to make significant strides this school year. e Links Inc. and a group of dedicated volunteer mentors support the efforts of the program. Equally encour- aging has been the caliber of the mentees who have been participating. Young men who participate in the program will explore who they are as individuals, establish goals and identify resources necessary to help them reach those goals. It is the making of a better man. Learn more about the unique, life-changing opportunities available at FTCC by visiting www.faytechcc.edu or by visiting the Fayetteville, Spring Lake or Fort Bragg campus locations. THEODORE THOMAS, FTCC Admissions Counselor and 3MP Advisor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. (910) 484-6200. Mentoring students involves a personal, one- on-one relationship.

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