EMPOWER Program Seeks Students as In-House Mentors

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A peer mentor talks with EMPOWER students at lunch in the Arkansas Union.

The EMPOWER program is seeking student mentors to fill new in-house mentorship opportunities for the fall 2021 semester.

EMPOWER is a post-secondary, non-degree program at the U of A for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. Mentors live with students enrolled in the EMPOWER program. Mentors' room and board will be paid as part of their commitment, and they will also receive a stipend.

In-house mentors focus on daily living skills like setting an alarm, doing laundry and checking emails. They also assist with social interactions in the dorm environment.

There are also opportunities for students to be peer mentors. The goal of peer mentorship is to create an inclusive learning and socialization environment for all students. Peer mentors work with EMPOWER students in class to assist as necessary with tasks like note-taking and outside of class with navigating campus life. Peer mentors work with mentees on social skills, daily living skills and academic tasks, including tutoring.

For further information on becoming an EMPOWER in-house or peer mentor, contact program director Ashley Bradley at arbradle@uark.edu or Amanda Wallace, volunteer services coordinator, at 479-575-5497 or aw008@uark.edu.

EMPOWER — Educate, Motivate, Prepare, Opportunity, Workplace readiness, Employment, Responsibility — is based in the College of Education and Health Professions.