Developing Minority Nursing Students: Evaluation of an Innovative Mentorship and Leadership Program

Background: There is disparity in the nursing work-force of minority leaders. The aim of this article is to describe and evaluate an innovative program designed to provide mentorship and increase leadership skills of minority nursing students. Method: An innovative mentorship program was developed including coordination of financial aid meetings, incorporating technology, enacting an online preimmersion course, choosing and training mentors, hosting a lunch-and-lead leadership series, and using intensive review sessions and tutoring. Program evaluation data were analyzed using mixed methods. Results: All 40 participants passed the NCLEX-RN and had obtained employment after the program. Of the 20 respondents, 25% already had obtained a leadership role in nursing. Qualitative data about the program revealed categories of leadership, networking, mentorship, more time, and gratitude. Conclusion: This program was successful in promoting retention, graduation, and development of future minority nurse leaders. [ J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(9):526–534.]