What began as a pandemic-era effort to reach high school students and increase connections
has grown into a semester-long program that builds connections and belonging at OCC.
Stacey Crews, Dean of Student Engagement, founded the Student Peer Mentor Program in 2020, to support students in Promise Zones during the physical and social isolation
of COVID-19. Today, it serves students from all backgrounds, helping them navigate
college and find community.
The Peer Mentor Program introduces students to available resources, fosters meaningful
connections, and makes their college experience easier.
“The goal of the program, of course, is to connect peers,” Crews said. “Ultimately,
it’s about creating a sense of belonging and helping students understand the support
services we have for them here.”
How the program works
Each new cohort begins with a survey to identify which topics would be most helpful
for them—from financial aid to academic support to mental health, financial management,
and personal growth—ensuring sessions are relevant and student-driven.
Mentors and mentees meet biweekly via Zoom to learn more about OCC resources and personal
growth. Outside those sessions, mentors and mentees stay connected through regular
check-ins with each other.
Students are grouped into “quads” with two mentors supporting two to three mentees
each, an approach beneficial for everyone.
OCC students with a 2.8 GPA or higher can sign up to be a mentee, with a strong focus
on supporting first-time college students. Aspiring mentors complete an application
and interview process and maintain a 2.8 GPA.
From mentee to mentor
Koko Robinson joined the program as a mentee, then returned as a mentor to support
others.
“I love it, because now I’m the person I wish I had been when I first started school,”
Robinson said. “My biggest accomplishment in this program is being able to give back.”
Fellow mentor, Rahma Jaara, echoed that sentiment.
“For me, it really means building a community for people who really need that support,”
Jaara said.
Beyond college resources
While the program’s focus is on providing college resources, mentors often help mentees
navigate challenges beyond campus.
“I try to connect my mentees with any resources they might need,” Robinson said. “Whether
someone’s having a bad day or needs a new place to live, I try to help them out as
best I can.”
Quads often evolve into close-knit groups. Jaara and Robinson’s quads get together
for study groups and fun outings, and check-in through group chats.
“It feels more like a friend group than a formal program,” Jaara said.
Robinson added that she still keeps in touch with many of her former mentors and mentees—a
testament to the program’s lasting impact.
Get involved
Peer mentor and mentee spots are open for the September 2026 program. Visit the Peer
Mentoring Program page for more information and sign up.
About OCC
Oakland Community College (OCC) has empowered individuals through education since
1965. Serving more than 20,000 students annually, OCC offers 80+ degree and certificate
programs, workforce training and community education programs with flexible class
options, low tuition, robust services, and top transfer opportunities. Ranked Michigan’s
top online college and seventh nationally by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges
2025, OCC delivers education that drives opportunity, workforce growth and community
impact. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
###
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 |
contactus@oaklandcc.edu