Nearly $500K Awarded To University for Mentorship Initiative
Image by Ed Brennen
12/22/2023
Media Contacts: Emily Gowdey-Backus, director of media relations and Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations
Supported by a three-year $483,324 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation, a new program at UMass Lowell will emphasize student engagement, encourage mentorship among faculty and students, and improve cultural competency across the university.
Leading, Engaging and Advising Fellows, known as LEAF, is a collaborative effort which will empower faculty to improve the classroom learning environment through interactive and inclusive pedagogy, group problem solving sessions, and by providing academic support during class time to enhance classroom engagement. The program will also promote a culture of peer mentoring among students with the aim of supporting those who feel left behind and including those who feel left out.
LEAF will nurture increased collaboration between student-focused support programming including the UMass Lowell School of Education; River Hawk Scholars Academy; Center for Learning, Advising & Student Success; and Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.
“Student success is at the core of what we do,” said Chancellor Julie Chen. “The Davis Educational Foundation’s investment and belief in our mission has allowed UMass Lowell to make significant strides in creating an environment where student success is paramount.”
Touching on the interconnected nature of the program, she added: “LEAF not only underscores our commitment to advancing faculty pedagogy but also embodies our dedication to fostering an inclusive campus community through the implementation of best practices like peer tutoring, service coordination, and interactive, inclusive pedagogy.”
This grant was received from the Davis Educational Foundation established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’s retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarket, Inc. The UMass Lowell grant was finalized in a letter by Ed MacKay, chair of the Davis Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, last month.
“We are encouraged by the awareness of UMass Lowell and the eagerness with which the university’s leadership has prioritized this work,” he said. “The number of campus initiatives that have come together through LEAF to empower underserved students is impressive. We look forward to the impact this work will have on the student body and greater campus community.”
In addition to cross-campus collaboration, LEAF will welcome long-time neighbors and partners such as Middlesex Community College, North Shore Community College and Northern Essex Community College to participate in professional development training. UMass Lowell’s LEAF advisory committee will also have the support and input of faculty who have previously implemented similar, Davis Educational Foundation-funded programs on their campuses.