Consider the word mentor not as a noun to be defined but a verb to be acted upon to validate and encourage another's promise. Oklahoma colleges initiate and perfect the endless opportunities to validate the promise of others through mentoring.

We are expanding our list of college leadership programs, which include mentoring, coaching, leadership development, and connections to internships.

The virtual 2021 National Mentoring Summit had almost 4,000 participants, mostly focused upon K-12. Presentations about research, social capital (networks and connections), youth voice, and equity dominated.

Two Oklahoma leaders created programs to solve problems: Kodey Toney, who founded the Pervasive Parenting Center (CPRC), and Bryon Dickens, who designed and directs his model for minority students.

We are seeking "My Mentor" stories. OU's Dr. Ronald Anderson, the first contributor, mentioned a college professor from about twenty years ago, and now they have reestablished contact. The story is coming soon. Submit your mentor.

See a mentor shout-out below.

Upcoming videos or webinars include OU's Chevron Phillips Scholar Mentors, J.A.M.E.S. (Just About Mothers Excelling in School), OU's JCPenney Leadership Program, and more.

The pandemic and winter break hindered Oklahomans' widely celebrating National Mentoring Month in January. Let's plan ahead for and schedule mentoring awareness for next January, especially through mayoral and college presidential proclamations and social media.