19. Mentoring Program

Since the mid 1990’s, the Mentoring Program has provided support for students of color and their families. As the Dalton population has diversifed mentors are increasingly drawn from alumni, including members of Dalton’s LGBTQ+ community.

Since the mid 1990’s, the Mentoring Program has provided support for students of color and their families. Charged by the recommendations of the Dalton Diversity Task Force, the first director, Adah Askew, created a program to function as an advocacy and support network for students of color. Initially, Adah recruited mentors drawn from her own network of professional contacts, friends, and family, as well through her Dalton colleagues. Students met with their mentors individually and participated in annual events, beginning with a matching ceremony.

As Dalton’s population has diversified, mentors are increasingly drawn from Dalton alumni and faculty. Under the direction of Michelle Viard-Andre, the program has grown exponentially. Activities now include a Launching Event, a career development event, a panel discussion and a game night. With an expanded roster of participants, students can also contact other mentors to discuss career paths or shared interests. From a small cohort of students and mentors, the program now reaches a widening circle, including members of the LGBTQ + community.
—Adah Askew, Michelle Viard-Andre, Middle & High School French and Spanish Teacher

“When I think about the mentoring program what stands out was Dalton’s acknowledgment of our unique experience as students of color. The programs hosted throughout the year addressed the challenges of being a minority student and helped us feel less isolated and more a part of the Dalton community. I am still very close to my mentor, Kelvina Butcher, and it is wonderful to have her ongoing support. I became a mentor after graduate school in education and plan to continue mentoring.”
—Kiki Mwaria ‘94