The Compassionate Connections Mentoring Program

The Compassionate Connections Mentoring Program was a partnership between Englewood High School and Heather Martin’s first-year research and writing course WRIT 1633: Educational Transformations. Rooted in research on compassion, belonging, and near-peer mentorship, the program was designed to support college readiness among prospective first-generation and Pell-eligible students through relationship-centered mentoring, while also supporting DU students’ learning in different research traditions. Developed in collaboration with Englewood High School (EHS) College Readiness Counselor Heidi Stone, the program paired DU students with EHS juniors and seniors for a series of structured mentoring sessions focused on navigating the college search process, building confidence, and exploring academic and career pathways.

The program culminated in a campus visit to DU, where EHS students toured academic spaces, met with current students, and experienced campus life firsthand. EHS student reflections highlighted the impact of connecting with first-year DU students, exploring academic programs, and experiencing the university’s sense of community. Notably, two students who participated in the first year of the mentoring program later enrolled at DU, underscoring the program’s impact on college access and belonging.

The initiative was first funded through a 2024-2025 4D Infusion Grant. In 2026, a Community-Engaged Learning grant from CCESL allowed Dr. Martin to incorporate a DU senior as a near-peer mentor for the DU student mentors themselves, strengthening reflection, leadership development, and mentor support throughout the experience. The Compassionate Connections Mentoring Program aligns closely with University Writing Program goals and DU’s commitment to compassionate leadership, community engagement, and expanding access to higher education through meaningful local partnerships.