Curating Peer Mentoring Program Curricula for Modern Leadership Contexts

Efforts to improve retention, positive outcomes, and leadership development among underrepresented student populations are critical for predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Peer mentoring programs offer sustainable support structures within these contexts. This paper examines a strength-based peer mentoring program with a 15-year track record and its successful adaptation at another university, both of which are in rural Pennsylvania PWIs. The mentoring programs’ successes are attributed to having a comprehensive mentor training curricula that emphasizes cross-cultural skill-building among participants. Through a detailed analysis of the curricula components, alongside a reviewof survey and observational data, this article highlights the programs’ positive impact on student leadership, retention, and post-graduate outcomes. Authors argue that robust, culturally-relevant training is essential for fostering leadership skills in mentors and achieving successful outcomes for peer mentoring programs serving underrepresented students.