10:04 a.m., April 20, 2007--UD's Student Centers presents a new mentoring program, “L.E.A.R.N,” or “Latino Enrichment And Resource Network.” The program will pair upperclassmen with incoming UD students to help them adjust to college life.

Marilyn Prime, director of Student Centers, said the program was created in response to requests from Latino students for a mentoring program that could benefit their community.

“The program and its mentors will help new UD students acclimate to campus, meet other students of similar backgrounds and interests, as well as foster a sense of belonging,” Prime said. “The program also focuses on providing a link to academic support and campus resources and services, encouraging leadership and professional development and promoting the multitude of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities through awareness of campus events, student organizations, support programs and student life.”

Interest meetings for the program will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, April 23, in room 219 of the Trabant University Center and at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, in room 206 of the Trabant University Center.

All incoming full-time freshmen or transfer students are eligible mentees if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Are of Latino heritage;
• Plan to major or minor in Latin-related studies;
• Have an interest in learning about Latino culture; or
• Support the Latino community at UD.

Full-time undergraduate students are eligible to serve as mentors if they have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Are of Latino heritage;
• Are majoring or minoring in Latin-related studies;
• Have an interest in learning about Latino culture;
• Support the Latino community at UD; or
• Are a member of a Latino student organization or Greek chapter.

For more information, call Lalena Luna at (302) 831-0091 or e-mail [lunal@udel.edu].