Roots to Wings (RTW) is a transformative co-mentoring pathway program focused on creating avenues for Indigenous and Latinx learners to enter the STEM and healthcare professions. It involves a collaboration between PNWU, the Yakama Nation, Heritage University, Mount Adams School District, Toppenish School District, Wapato School District, and the Yakima School District.

The program pairs PNWU students with aspiring young scholars between 6th and 12th grade attending school districts on the Homelands of the Yakama Nation and other Indigenous communities in the state of  Washington. PNWU students are encouraged to develop a mutual mentorship relationship with the Indigenous and Latinx students.

The co-mentor role is to:

• Develop a safe and trusting relationship
• Engage in attentive listening
• Provide a balance between support and challenge to assist in learning
• Share personal academic struggles and how you overcame them
• Study the lesson for each session and be prepared to help the students achieve the goals of the lesson
• Participate in cultural immersion training (3 - 1 hour in person sessions)
• Participate in monthly curriculum prep in person mandatory meetings (6 total)
• Prepare for each session (1-3 hours)

Skills needed:

• Excellent communication
• Humble attitude
• Passion for supporting the next generation of STEM and healthcare professionals
• Open mindedness
• Ability to receive constructive criticism
• Desire to learn about other cultures and a respect for them
• Kind and helpful attitude
• Flexible team players

 

For further information, we recommend viewing the below Roots to Wings Opening Ceremony 2023 video and  the TEDx Yakima presentation of RTW by Dr. Ramos-Diaz here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwgL2B5dck0

 

Sessions are bi-monthly in person meetings from 5:15pm - 7:30pm, starting Mid October 2024 to April 2025. Excluding December.

Opening Ceremony:TBD (October)

Closing Ceremony:TBD (April)

If you wish to be considered as a co-mentor for this program, please submit your application by September 16, 2024 end of business day!

 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ramos-Diaz at
mramosdiaz@pnwu.edu Or Debbie Helgert dhelgert@pnwu.edu 

 

Thank you for your interest in the Roots to Wings Transformative Co-mentoring Program.