Hartwick College Yager Hall in Winter

SOAR Mentorship Program

SOAR is the Students of ALANA Representation, LGBTQ+ & First Generation Student Mentorship Program. ALANA stands for African, Latino, Asian, Native American.

Meaningful Connections

We connect first-year and sophomore ALANA/BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and First Gen students with a mentor who shares the same affinity! Mentors may be Hartwick staff, faculty, alumni, or peer mentors.

Our Goal

The goal of the SOAR Program is to eliminate the graduation gap, seen in research, between students of color and their white counterparts. We want to connect students to meaningful and lasting mentorship relationships that will aid them on their path to success.

SOAR Core Principles

  • Campus Climate- Ensure that the campus climate is free of racism, microaggressions and policies and procedures that adversely affect students.
  • Representation- Intentionally match mentors with mentees based on background and shared interests.
  • Engagement- Create opportunities for students to engage in cultural activities with mentors and other students who come from similar backgrounds.
  • Support- Provide guidance and support students while navigating the Oneonta and on-campus communities.
  • Knowledge- Provide students with the tools and resources to be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

SOAR Events

Check back soon for event details!

Hartwick College SOAR mentors and students during game night

What students say about SOAR:

"The SOAR Mentorship program gave me a sense of belonging. I feel accepted and connected and supported."

Jasmine LaVare '27

"SOAR is a good program for me because it allowed me to connect with wonderful staff on campus. Being someone who is introverted naturally, it was nice being able to step outside of my comfort zone and having those welcoming people there to help acclimate me to the new environment freshmen year."

A'Laura Copeland '26

"It’s helpful because it gives the student an opportunity for friendship that is built between the mentor and mentee. It also is a great opportunity to feel a connected with the community that is created."

Valentina Porras '27

Interested in SOAR?

Request Information

SOAR Program Coordinator

Samantha Lara

Associate Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
607-431-4373

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING (DEIB) CENTER

Yager Hall
4th Floor
Hartwick College
Oneonta, New York 13820
607-431-4373