Sierra Josselyn and A-yo Jones, two Seminole State students, recently completed qualifications for a national certification in peer mentoring from the Peer Leader Center. Both students are employed by SSC Student Support Services as peer mentors. In their positions, they help guide peers in navigating college, meeting other students, developing basic academic skills and discovering important resources. Josselyn and Jones are the first two students at the college to achieve the certification.
The certification is achieved by completing an eight-hour online course and practicing elements of peer mentoring skills with students. The SSS Director, Janna Wilson-Byrd, then validates the completed work of the peer mentors to the Peer Leader Center. The topics in the course align with the College Reading and Learning Association’s recommendations under their Level 1 mentor training certification.
The course includes 14 learning modules and includes reading, activities, scenario practice, quizzes and a video bank to introduce knowledge and skills in several competency areas. Examples of the competencies include: Understanding the Peer Mentor’s Role, Building Communication Skills in Listening and Asking Questions, Preparing Students to Study through Academic Coaching, and Developing a Safe Space. There are 10 total competencies.
“I could not be prouder of Sierra and A-yo. Both of these outstanding students saw this certification as an opportunity to improve their skills. They never saw it as a burden to their academic studies. They accepted the challenge to take on the extra work so they can become the best leaders and helpers for their peers. It is an honor to present them as the first certified peer mentors at SSC. Our ultimate goal is for our Peer Mentors to assist our new program participants with overall success in acclimating to college. Successful college navigation often leads to successful college completion. Sierra and A-yo will have a hand in helping students succeed,” Wilson-Byrd said.
Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services are federally funded grant programs hosted by SSC. Both programs serve first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and disabled college students. For more information, visit the website at www.sscok.edu/sss