Multilevel Mentoring

The Rodel Community Scholars Program has two primary goals. Participants aim to develop viable business plans that will help improve high school student retention. They also strive to develop the leadership skills of ASU’s business students. The community advisory council plays an important role in both objectives.

During the business plan review process, the council provides a real-word critique to ASU students. Council members also serve as a network of partners and advocates for the most feasible plans. Respected public figures like Dick Snell, retired chairman for Pinnacle West Capital, and Kino Flores, superintendent of Tolleson Union High Schools, represent a sampling of the influence the council holds.

These individuals also serve as role models and mentors. They nurture the students’ interest in social concerns and community involvement—an example that trickles down to the relationships forged.

Robin Hanna is an advisory council member and retired chief financial officer for Bank of America’s credit card division. She believes that is where the magic of the Rodel program lies.

“When you have people who are looked up to—as college students are by high school students—making an investment of time in the lives and the future of younger students, the younger students really rise to that,” she says. “And it’s just amazing to see how much difference that makes.”—Jessica McCann