Transformar Mentorship Program encourages students to explore education and identity through cultural and community-based approaches. This program is intended to help first and second year students link their cultural background and sense of identity to their academic experience and professional aspirations.

The program includes two semesters of mentorship and learning, and an opportunity to participate in the two-week Transformar Study Abroad trip to Mexico. This trip will take place at the end of the Spring 2026 semester and before summer school starts. If you are not eligible to study abroad, you can still participate in the Transformar Mentorship Program. Finalists will be scheduled for an interview the week of September 15th.

Benefits

• Participate in discussions about connecting cultural identity to academic and professional success.
• Engage with a community of peers & explore your own sense of self & cultural identity.
• Receive meaningful personal & intellectual mentorship to guide academic progress.
• Qualify for a $600 scholarship upon successful completion of the program.
• Opportunity to participate in a summer study abroad trip to Mexico!

Eligibility

• Must be a UNM freshman and sophomore enrolled full time in the fall & spring semesters.
• Please note that this program is open to all UNM students regardless of immigration status.
• Prefrence will be given to any students meeting any of the following criteria:
  
  • Member of an underrepresented group in higher education
  • First generation college student in the US
  • Qualify as low-income or/and Pell-Eligible

Requirements:

1. Attend program orientation on Thursday, Sep. 25 from 3:30-5:00pm
2. Attend monthly Transformar sessions on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00pm
3. Attend one Saturday Transformar session, date and time TBA
4. Participate in cultural workshops and events hosted by El Centro
5. Engage in monthly 1-on-1 meetings with Transformar staff
6. Complete all assignments and readings for the program