Philanthropy 5K: Office of Res Life/SMART

As current and former staff members of the Office of Residence Life, as well as alumni and friends of the Students of Color Mentoring, Aiding, Retaining, and Teaching (SMART) program, we are raising funds for the SMART mentorship program. Each year, SMART awards a book scholarship to a deserving student of color at BGSU. Your generosity will allow BGSU to provide even greater support to students.

About SMART

SMART is a mentoring program designed to offer social, cultural, leadership, and academic support to first-year students of color living in the residence halls at BGSU. SMART's ultimate goals are to assist first-year students of color with their transition to BGSU, to increase the number of students who return to the University for their second year and to provide a forum for discussion of the residential experience in order to make it as positive and rewarding as possible. SMART also hosts activities and events for students' enrichment from one of these four core components:

•     Social Engagement

•     Cultural Exploration

•     Academic Support and Encouragement

•     Leadership Enhancement

To achieve these goals, SMART pairs first-year students (mentees) with upperclassmen residential students (mentors) who will provide weekly support and guidance. Additionally, SMART requires mentees to attend a monthly All-SMART meeting that provides information to assist with their success at BGSU.

Why SMART matters

Here are a few things you need to know about the SMART Program:

• Participation in SMART is free.

• Students who participate in SMART are retained for their second year at a higher rate that those students who do not participate.

• Though programs and conversations will always be approached from an underrepresented perspective, all people are welcome to join SMART.

Thank you for your support.