Health Mentors: A Year of New Growth & Connections

As we begin planning for Health Mentors Cohort 15, we reflect on the powerful stories, meaningful insights, and a deeper understanding of human-centered care acquired over the past year. Cohort 14 included 149 students, 43 mentors, and 13 faculty members from 12 health programs who came together in a shared space of learning. We also welcomed 11 new mentors, whose unique perspectives enriched the conversations and helped shape how future healthcare professionals think about care, empathy, and identity.

With support from Mandy, our Community Engagement Coordinator, the Health Mentors Program continued to grow—piloting new activities, strengthening our mentor network, and expanding community-building opportunities. Mentors reported an average satisfaction score of 4.9 out of 5, and students rated their experience at 4.3. But these numbers only hint at the program’s deeper impact, one rooted in mutual respect, and vulnerability.

For many mentors, the program offered more than a chance to give back. It brought purpose, connection, and a renewed sense of value. In their exit surveys, mentors spoke of mutual learning, empowerment, and a sense of social recognition as some of the most meaningful aspects of their experience.