(42) The Power of Mentoring in Supporting Diverse and Underrepresented Student Outcomes: A Success Story

Abstract: Awareness for the need for diversification of the field of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology is at an all time high. Lack of diverse representation in the field is present among faculty and professionals and a mismatch exists between the diversity of learner groups and those serving them (US Department of Education, 2020; AHSA 2019). Evidence based strategies exist to support positive mentoring relationships which resulted in increased student success and retention. We will share our personal mentoring journey with takeaways for other professionals to implement in their mentoring/supervision programs based on Laura Sambrookes' doctoral coursework and David's research conducted for the Masters Capstone "Rethinking the American college experience; diversity and inclusion", which illuminated the lack of diversity in higher education, unearthed insights into learning environments, and impact on underrepresented learners. Strategies for mentoring within STEM disciplines will be reviewed, application of strategies will be applied, and outcomes related to our personal mentoring journey will be discussed.

Summary of Presentation : Applying research from David Frazier's master's capstone and Laura Sambrookes' doctoral coursework, evidence based strategies for mentoring within STEM disciplines will be reviewed. We will discuss which strategies we applied to our mentoring relationship formed as a part of our participation in ISHA's Mentorship Program. We will discuss strategies utilized to maximize mutually beneficial mentoring relationship, discuss professional and personal outcomes as a result of mentoring relationship and make recommendations for future mentoring programs to be utilized by professionals and ISHA's mentoring program at large.