La Familia Group Photo

About La Familia

The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education (OMSE) established the La Familia Peer Mentoring Program to support the college transition and retention of first-year Latino students at the University of Maryland. In this program, first-year mentees are paired with highly qualified sophomore, junior, and senior peer mentors who facilitate academic and personal growth opportunities through workshops, social events, and community service activities. This intentional and ongoing interaction between mentees and mentors encourages students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Our mentees have reported that La Familia has helped them develop:

  • A sense of connectedness to the university and their peers
  • Feelings of competency and self-efficacy
  • Improved grades and academic performance
  • Enhanced social skills and attitudes
  • An increased likelihood of graduation

Join Our Familia
Are you ready to share your knowledge and experiences with other Latino students at the University of Maryland? If so, please contact us regarding the next application period for mentors and mentees. The responsibilities for both mentors and mentees include, but are not limited to:

  • Meeting with your mentor/mentee for one hour each week
  • Attending all La Familia events, including one general body meeting per month and 2-3 social or community service activities per semester
  • Completing a weekly mentor/mentee progress report
  • Contributing to the planning and execution of events

CONTACT: Leticia Adriana Ramirez Granados, Graduate Assistant or Saul Flores, Graduate Assistant