ACI’s Peer Mentoring Program started in 2013 to support first-year students who arrive at ACI member institutions with risk factors that could prevent them from staying in school and reaching graduation. Increasing college graduation rates among low-income (Pell Grant eligible), first-generation college, and diverse students is a top priority for Illinois and ACI.
The Peer Mentoring Program continues its success, with Fall 2024 enrollment well on the way to 20 student mentors (sophomores, juniors, or seniors) and 100 first-year student mentees.
Data gathered during 2023-2024 shows that:
- 84% of program mentees in Fall 2023 returned to school in Spring 2024
- 92% of program mentors in Fall 2023 returned to school in Spring 2024
Participating schools include:
- Augustana College
- Blackburn College
- Eureka College
- Illinois College
- Millikin University
- Monmouth College
- North Central College
- North Park University
- Quincy University
- Rockford University
Beginning this Fall, we are pleased to offer a custom online, self-paced orientation course for our student mentors in response to the needs expressed by our participating schools. ACI staff worked in concert with our Peer Mentoring Program Campus Coordinators to shape its content.
Thanks to participating students and school coordinators who continue to engage in this powerful program that aids in student retention. Thanks also to our generous core funders for their continuing support: Siragusa Family Foundation and ITW Foundation. In addition, we are thankful for the generous operating support from CME Group Foundation and the John Buck Company Foundation to help fund the program.