March 1, 2022

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is set to receive $92,000 over three years from ScotiaRise to develop an ambassador-led peer-to-peer mentorship program. The initiative is focused on helping learners enrolled in Coulee and Sunrise Collegiates to complete their studies and transition successfully to post-secondary education.

Recent partnerships between regional school divisions and MHC created Coulee Collegiate in Medicine Hat and Sunrise Collegiate at the Brooks campus. These collegiates provide learners access to high school and college courses and help them earn a diploma or upgrade classes to meet pre-requisites for various programs.

“Every learner comes with a different experience and goal in mind. The benefit of matching students to an ambassador is that they can create a relationship and have someone to reach out to for guidance and support,” says Shannon Maass, associate registrar at MHC. “These ambassadors will connect collegiate students with valuable services including financial aid, tutoring, or academic coaching and help them navigate their experience with us.”

The program is currently in the planning stage and the project team is optimistic about the benefits it will have for both learners and ambassadors, and the opportunities it presents to shape understanding of and comfort within the college environment.

“We are taking a thoughtful approach as we expand the program. Not only do we want our collegiate students to feel supported, we want to consider benefits for our ambassadors,” says Maass. “This includes gaining meaningful work experience and developing transferrable skills and knowledge while participating in a program that has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others.”

Landon Heilman, student recruitment coordinator, mentions that this initiative will be complementary to their existing ambassadorship program which supports campus events and outreach.

“We are fortunate to have a number of students who are engaged and willing volunteers. They are very welcoming and knowledgeable when it comes to what MHC has to offer. This new mentorship program has the potential to create similar connections between student and ambassador and build longer term relationships that are mutually beneficial.”

For more information on the services and supports available, or to learn more about the programs available at MHC visit www.mhc.ab.ca.