Central State University Expands STEM Student Support with 1890 Marauder STEM Mentorship Program
Central State University has launched the 1890 Marauder STEM Mentorship Program, a new peer-to-peer initiative designed to strengthen recruitment, retention and graduation rates among students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture.
The program operates under the 1890 Center for Excellence Student Success and Workforce Development, and directly supports students in the John W. Garland, College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture (JWG-CESTA); becoming one of the newest institutions to join Mentor Collective’s national peer mentoring network.
Designed to Support Recruitment, Retention and Graduation
The primary goal of the 1890 Marauder STEM Mentorship Program is clear: support students from entry to completion.
“Our hope for the program is to have 100% retention and follow our students through graduation,” said Gorgui Ndao, director of Student Success and Experiential Learning at Central State. “Mentoring helps overall student success. We want students to come here, stay here and graduate on time.”
The program focuses primarily on incoming freshmen and transfer students majoring in STEM disciplines within JWG-CESTA — populations that often face academic and social transition challenges during their first year.
A Structured Peer-to-Peer Model
The 1890 Marauder STEM Mentorship Program officially began Jan. 20 at the start of the spring semester. Invitations were extended to mentors and mentees in December following program design and training in November.
Currently, 59 students are participating in the pilot cohort. Through a survey-based matching system facilitated by Mentor Collective, students are paired based on academic interests, career goals and shared experiences. As of this semester, 43% of participants have been matched.
The peer-to-peer model pairs first-year and transfer students with upperclassmen who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. Mentors must also be scholars in competitive programs such as the 1890 Davis Scott Scholarship or Choose Ohio First and have completed internship experiences, ensuring they can offer both academic and professional insight.
“This is about connecting students with someone who has already walked the path,” Ndao said. “That guidance makes a difference.”
Connecting Students to Campus Resources
Beyond academic advice, mentors serve as navigators to campus life. Conversations between mentors and mentees have included how to locate tutoring services, apply for scholarships, build study skills, strengthen self-confidence, and even manage roommate relationships. When needs arise, program administrators provide targeted resources to support students in real time.
Early feedback has been positive. Students report meaningful discussions with mentors and a better understanding of where to go when help is needed.
“The goal is to make sure students don’t feel lost in the shuffle,” Ndao said.
Part of a Broader 1890 Mission
Central State joined the national 1890 mentoring initiative last September alongside Alabama A&M University and Tennessee State University. The broader Center for Excellence model is led by North Carolina A&T State University and supports workforce development in agriculture and STEM fields across 1890 land-grant institutions.
At Central State, however, the focus remains local: ensuring Marauders thrive academically and professionally. The current pilot group will continue through the end of the semester. University leaders plan to expand participation next year by inviting additional students. The platform can support up to 500 participants as the program scales.
For Central State — Ohio’s only public historically Black college or university — the 1890 Marauder STEM Mentorship Program represents a long-term investment in student belonging, persistence, and career readiness.
“Our students have the talent,” Ndao said. “This program ensures they have the support system to match.”