‘Someone Just like Me’: When Academic Engagement Trumps Race, Class, and Gender

Abstract

In the process of working with students on outreach recruiting for an academic development program, the authors learned from them an important lesson about sameness and difference and about the power of the academic adventure for bringing people together.

Leaders and Recruiters from the Next Generation: A Phenomenological Study

“…We found that the student ambassadors revealed the impact they had on recruiting diverse students into their organizations. Consistent with the work of Gabelko and Sosniak (2002) the ambassadors discussed how diversity helped to strengthen their organizations. Ambassadors might be in the best position to recruit from their own ethnic and economic communities (Gabelko & Sosniak, 2002).…”

“…Further, ambassadors also discussed the importance of having someone with whom to relate. Gabelko and Sosniak, (2002) found that student ambassadors recruited other students with whom they felt connected. Ambassadors who were science fiction buffs recruited other science fiction buffs, artists recruited other artists, and computer enthusiasts brought others, "just like" themselves (Gabelko and Sosniak, 2002).…”

“…The impact of student ambassador programs can lead to increases in the enrollment of underrepresented students (Ylonen, 2010). Student ambassadors can help to recruit members of "underrepresented groups" by recruiting the students they know who live in their own communities (Gabelko & Sosniak, 2002). Before the student ambassador program was implemented at The University of Manitoba student enrollment in the Freshman Success Seminar course was 209 in 1996 and 219 in 1997.…”

“…Developmental benefits include training in essential areas such as networking, job search skills, and leadership (Ruderman & Niparko, 2010;Ylonen, 2010). Student Ambassadors learn to be poised and polished from their contacts with alumni and the many training activities in which they participate (Gabelko & Sosniak, 2002). From this training, ambassadors learn about the importance of student recruitment and they improve the ability of colleges and universities to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, particularly African American and Hispanic students (Gabelko & Sosniak, 2002).…”

“…Student Ambassadors learn to be poised and polished from their contacts with alumni and the many training activities in which they participate (Gabelko & Sosniak, 2002). From this training, ambassadors learn about the importance of student recruitment and they improve the ability of colleges and universities to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, particularly African American and Hispanic students (Gabelko & Sosniak, 2002). The student ambassadors are also viewed as leaders and have an advantage when searching for a job.…”