The E-mentoring program through Eastern Kentucky University’s Office of Regional Stewardship is kicking off the fall semester with five student interns. The E-mentor Program is a partnership with Knox Promise Neighborhood designed to help middle and high school students with college and career readiness. The interns utilize EKU’s Blackboard online learning system to interact with program participants.
“The main goal of this program is to teach students that they can be successful in many ways,” said Mikayla Estepp, the e-mentoring program coordinator. “As long as they are resilient, their goals can be met.”
This program is set up in nine lessons in goal setting, financial literacy, college reality, career matching, skills needed in the workplace, and other related topics that will help them achieve their goals in the future.
For the fall semester of 2020, the program has been implemented in Corbin Middle School, Knox Central High School and Lynn Camp Schools.
EKU’s E-Mentor program Student Interns
Klaire Compton is a senior at EKU and she is majoring in English Education. This is Klaire’s third semester as an intern. Klaire is a Dean’s list student and has developed skills in leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking. She says the English program has taught her how to view different perspectives with an open mind. Klaire also has experience working one-on-one with high school students as part of her clinical practice at Madison County Schools, and she is excited to use her role as an E-mentor to form connections with and impact future college students.
Taylor Barnes is a freshman psychology major. Taylor graduated from North Laurel High School and is a first generation college student. Throughout her High School career. Taylor says mentors inspired her to be where she is today, and she wants to do the same for the students she is mentoring through this program.
Danielle Underwoodis a sophomore paralegal science major. Her plans after graduation are to go to law school and work for nonprofits or Kentucky’s government to five back to Eastern Kentucky’s rural areas. Danielle is a Dean’s List student and has participated in the Mock Trial Team as an attorney. In her free time she likes to hike, kayak, or caving.
Dmitri Laineis a senior at EKU majoring in Communication Studies. He is president of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. In his free time he enjoys playing sports. Outside of school he is building his skills to become a preacher.
Skylar Carter is a Social Work and Spanish double major, graduating in the spring of 2021. She is a member of the Honors Program and a first-generation college student. Throughout her time at Eastern, Skylar has made the President's List and the Dean's list multiple times. Her experiences in the Social Work and Spanish programs have deepened her understanding of society and the issues facing different populations. She has direct experience working with young people from diverse backgrounds through her past internships and field experiences. Skylar looks forward to helping students navigate their futures through her role as a mentor.
The E-mentoring program encourages online interaction by providing videos, fun quizzes, and conversation on Blackboard, which helps keep students engaged and invested in their future. As a result, these students are guided through steps they can take in school to prepare them for their future, and the mentors are able to use their knowledge and experience to relate to these students.
For more information about the E-Mentoring Program, please contact Mikayla Estepp at mikayla.estepp@eku.edu or 859-622-5700.