Mayo Mentorship Program

ABOUT US 

The first iteration of the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring program enables the department to award a Mayo scholarship to three underrepresented first-year students each year until their graduation. During their first and second year in the Department of Design, the scholarship recipients are assigned peer mentors to be supportive hands, encouraging voices, and inspirational role models. A faculty advisor oversees the program and works with the mentors and mentees to build a strong community that fosters belonging and meaningful connections.  

OUR VISION 

The vision of the Mayo Mentorship Program is to advance diversity, equity and inclusive excellence in the Department of Design at The Ohio State University. 

OUR MISSION 

The mission of the Mayo Mentorship Program is to provide supportive resources and mentorship to underrepresented students in the Department of Design at The Ohio State University to bolster their chances to graduate and enter the workforce successfully. 

HOW WE BUILD COMMUNITY 

• We take field trips to design firms 
• We work on creative design projects 
• We meet for a weekly lunch and talk 
• We review and provide feedback on portfolios 
• We share our lived experiences 
• We reach out and stay connected 
• We celebrate each other successes 

OUR ASPIRATIONS 

• Build outreach opportunities in our program to mentor high school students 
• Establish collaborative partnerships with similar programs at other universities 
• Establish a thriving multi-cultural design student organization that fosters belonging and celebrates individuality in our department 
• Take international trips to expand our cultural awareness and sensitivities 
• Build lasting connections beyond our time at The Ohio State University