Sponsorship, Social Capital, and Faculty Mentoring in Social Sciences: A Case Study

This study explores the impact of a sponsorship program on the social capital development of women faculty in social and behavioral sciences (SBS) at a research-intensive institution. The program, part of a broader institutional effort funded by an NSF ADVANCE grant, aimed to address gender disparities in promotion and tenure. Using action research methodology, the study analyzes data from protégé reports and surveys to identify how program elements—such as mentor selection, funding, peer engagement, and structured accountability—catalyzed various forms of social capital, including career and intellectual guidance, networking, and emotional support. The findings highlight the program's success in fostering research productivity, career advancement, and retention, while also identifying areas for improvement in mentorship structure and institutional climate. The study contributes to the literature on faculty development by emphasizing the importance of social capital and sponsorship in achieving gender equity in the social sciences.