Fisk 50/50 Protege Program Overview

1 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Program Overview

Foundation:

Research has proven that students who are connected to and feel comfortable at an institution of higher learning are more

likely to graduate from that institution. On the contrary, students who must rely on their own support networks are more likely

to transfer or drop-out. The Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program is built on developing a personal connection between a mentor and

protégé that will support, strengthen and encourage student self-advocacy leading a determined student to graduate from

Fisk University with a greater opportunity to succeed in the workplace or advanced degree programs. The effective mentoring

connections that the students make at Fisk foster the creation of a positive, safe and comfortable learning environment where

future leaders are incubated and academic exploration is encouraged.

Program Name:

The name of the mentoring program will be the Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program. Two halves make a whole and the program

aims to bring alumni, who have paved the way, together with current students who carry the burden of maintaining and

strengthening the rich tradition of Fisk. Thus, the 50/50 program exists and is such named, entrusting in Alumni (50%) and

students (50%) produce 100% satisfaction and success in the end.

Goal:1. To develop a “results oriented” mentoring program by establishing a network of Fisk Alumni who volunteer to support

and guide students through the college experience.

2. Foster mentoring relationships that support the student’s journey towards self-reliance, successful graduation, and

transfer into the workplace or advanced degree programs.

3. Challenge students to work through personal and academic challenges, and build self-esteem and confidence through

the pursuit of higher education, career aspirations, and social accountability.

2 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Program Overview (continued)

Program Framework:

The 50/50 Protégé Program will consist of two (2) tracks that will serve as the framework by which the mentoring objectives

can be met (see diagram on Page 4).

1. Developmental Track (Freshman/Sophomore): Provide mentoring that will assist in the personal development of

the protégé. Focus will be on developing skills that will build character, self esteem and study skills that will

prepare them for academic and personal success.

2. Professional Track (Juniors/Seniors): Provide mentoring that will focus on professional development in preparation

for the protégé’s career or higher educational interests. Provide resume, etiquette and communication skills (to

name a few) along with Graduate School application and research development skills.

3 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

4 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Definitions1. Developmental Phase (Tier One) – encompasses all freshman and sophomore and focuses on academic progress

while positioning them for the Professional Phase (Tier Two).

2. Professional Phase (Tier Two) – encompasses all juniors and seniors and focuses on preparing career planning and

placement as identified by Career Services and other University entities.

3. Mentor Phase (Tier Three) – encompasses University graduates aspiring to participate as mentors.

4. Conditional students (Track 1) – as identified by the University.

5. Developmental students (Track 1) – includes those on academic probation and up to the requirements as identified by

Fisk Career Services and other University entities.

6. Professional students (Track 2) – all students meeting and/or the requirements identified by Fisk Career Services and

other University entities.

5 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Curriculum

I. FRESHMAN

A. Introduction to College - “The Freshman ABC’s”

B. Study Skills/Note Taking Skills - “The Tools to Being a Successful College Student”

C. Time Management - “Live By It or Die By It”

D. Money and Finances - “You Can Chase It or It Can Chase You, Part I”

E. Relationships - “Keep It 100”

F. Personal Health and Hygiene - “You’re Always the Last One to Smell Yourself”

G. Planning for Graduation and Beyond - “Walking the Stage and the Step After, Part I”

H. Choosing a Major – “Choose Your Swagg”

I. Social/Political Awareness - “What’s Going On?”

J. 5 Keys to Effective Communication - “Be CLEAR”

K. Ethics and Integrity Education - “Who and/or What are You Following”

L. An Introduction to Goal Setting - “The SMART Things To Do”

6 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Curriculum (continued)

II. SOPHMORES

A. The Sophomore ABC’s – (By Protégés to Protégés)

B. Study Skills/Note Taking Skills – “Learning Your Professors”

C. Time Management – “The Vegetable of Success, Part I”

D. Money and Finances - “You Can Chase It or It Can Chase You, Part II”

E. Relationships, Accountability – “What’s Really Real? Part I”

F. Personal Health and Hygiene – “Making It Do What it Do: The Reinforcement of Good Habits”

G. Planning for Graduation and Beyond – “Walking the Stage and the Step After, Part II”

H. Choosing a Major – “So, What IS Your Major?”

I. Social/Political Awareness – “They Did What?”

J. Communication – “The Fruit of Prosperity”

K. Ethics and Integrity Expectations – “You ARE Being Watched…At All Times!”

L. Setting Goals – “How SMART Have You Been…Will You Be?”

7 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Curriculum (continued)

III. JUNIORS

A. The Junior ABC’s – (By Protégés to Protégés)

B. Study Skills/Note Taking Skills – “Grinding for Your Major”

C. Time Management – “The Vegetable of Success, Part II”

D. Money and Finances – “Instead of Working For It, Make It Work For You, Part I”

E. Relationships, Strengthening Character – “What’s Really Real? Part II”

F. Personal Health and Hygiene

G. Planning for Graduation and Beyond

H. Choosing a Career: Industry Awareness/Shadowing Mentors – “Where are You Going and Who’s Showing You the

Way?”

I. Social/Political Awareness – “What are YOU Going to Do About It?”

J. Communication – Protégé Success and Challenge Stories

K. Ethics and Integrity, Self-Assessment – “What Church Do You Attend?”

L. Sharing Goals/Objectives – Protégé Strength and Struggle Group Share

8 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Curriculum (continued)

IV. SENIORS

A. The Senior ABC’s – (By Young Alumni to Protégés)

B. Studying/Preparing for the ‘Next Level’ – Navigating Through Certifications, Post-Graduate Applications and Tests

C. Money and Finances – Salary Negotiation, Venture capitalism, Family/Real Estate, Health Care, Investments,

Saving, 401 K’s, Annuities, Stocks and Bonds, etc.

D. Relationships/Time Management – “Work-Life Balance Life: Family, Friends, Significant Others, Employers,

Clients, Partnerships, Networks, Faith Based Institutions, Community, Strategic Partnerships”

E. Mind, Body, and Spirit – “A Holistic Look at Health and Hygiene”

F. Planning for Graduation and Beyond – “Building Your Own Ladder of Success: The Keys to Progress and

Prosperity”

G. Career Preparation, Being versus Doing – “So, What IS Your Career Course?”

H. Social/Political Awareness – “What will Your Legacy Look Like?”

I. Communication – Senior Seminar: Outgoing Pouring Into the Up and Coming

J. Ethics and Integrity, Call to Action – “What Pew Do You Sit In? The Real Deal, The Real World”

9 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Contacts/Committee Members

10 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)

Demetrius B. Short – DirectorPhone: 336.340.3670Email: [email protected]

Dr. Shawna Chesser – Assistant DirectorPhone: 615.512.3760Email: [email protected]

Roy Lewis, Jr. – Assistant DirectorPhone: 615.585.8643Email: [email protected]

Je’Shona Averett - MemberPhone: 773.991.6180Email: [email protected]

Ngonzi Crushshon – MemberPhone: 312.480.9161Email: [email protected]

DeVonie Cunning – MemberPhone: 615.429.4802Email: [email protected]

Dr. Jesse Hightower, Jr. – MemberPhone: 678.521.6816Email: [email protected]

Tabitha Jackson – MemberPhone: 818.209.2430Email: [email protected]

Christina Kirk – MemberPhone: 405.921.8733Email:[email protected]

Mario Kirk – MemberPhone: 405.816.3078Email: [email protected]

Cynthia Young – MemberPhone: 704.839.8597Email: [email protected]

Dr. Jeff Menzise – Fisk Liaison and Program AdvisorPhone: 240.988.9639Email: [email protected]

Mrs. Gussie Carr-Fuller – Career Services LiaisonPhone: 615.329.8635Email: [email protected]

Ms. Brandi Taylor – Career Services LiaisonPhone: 615.329.8894Email: [email protected]

11 Fisk 50/50 Protégé Program – Fisk University Young Alumni Association (YAA)