Pedagogy and Professional Development

Mentoring Apparel and Engineering Students to Enhance Community Engagement

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Abstract

Mentoring is a widely accepted approach in higher education due to its associated benefits, including improved social support, self-esteem, stress coping abilities, and improved academic performance and retention rates. Engaging undergraduate students in research-related activities is effective to improve graduation rates. Although there are several university-wide mentoring programs, this concept paper proposes a novel approach to inclusive mentoring, including apparel, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering undergraduate students involved in a sustainability research project to enhance research excellence and career readiness for community engagement. Culturally Relevant approaches in mentoring aim to ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience that is unique to mentees’ cultural backgrounds, needs, and values. Initial data conveys the primary strengths of mentees engaged. Community engagement can include student participation in campus and local events, such as the L.A. County Fair and field trips, to increase awareness of research activities that address USDA and UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Keywords: mentoring, cultural relevance, inclusivity, community, sustainability, career readiness

How to Cite:

Trejo, H. X. & Villanueva, I. D., (2025) “Mentoring Apparel and Engineering Students to Enhance Community Engagement”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21847