Developing minority nursing students: Evaluation of an innovative mentorship and leadership program

Background: There is disparity in the nursing workforce 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.