Last week marked the launch of the Black Legacy in Student Success (BLiSS) mentoring scheme for undergraduate students in STEM subjects. Cofounder Dr Oluwaseun Esan tells us about the event and her thoughts about building this new community for students.
What an unforgettable evening it was as we officially launched our Black Legacy in Student Success (BLiSS) mentoring scheme last week! This initiative is a beacon of hope for undergraduate students in STEM disciplines, especially within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Co-founded by myself, Dr Carl Larsen and Amal Abdulkadir, the scheme aims to break down barriers and create pathways for success, providing mentorship to empower the next generation of Black STEM professionals.
Our event kicked off with a powerful discussion led by Race Equality Charter lead Dr Carl Larsen. Carl spoke passionately about the need for targeted support for Black students, who, despite entering university with strong academic credentials, face significant challenges that can lead to higher dropout rates and lower degree classifications. The BLiSS mentoring scheme is designed to bridge this awarding gap, ensuring that every student not only thrives academically but also feels supported throughout their university experience.
I then shared my thoughts on the impact of formal mentoring, encouraging students to stay focused on their goals and reminding them that mentoring relationships, while temporary, can be transformative. The message seemed to resonate, and many students left feeling inspired and empowered to make the most of their time at university.
The excitement didn’t stop there! Attendees learned about our upcoming masterclasses, set to take place in the 2024-2025 academic year in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (led by Dr Uzochukwu Egere) and Manchester Metropolitan University (led by Dr Josephine Gabi). These masterclasses will equip both students and mentors with invaluable skills and insights, further enriching their academic journeys.
As the evening unfolded, the room buzzed with energy, laughter, and the delightful aroma of a delicious Afro-Caribbean meal. The atmosphere was electric, with conversations flowing so freely that we found ourselves extending the event well past the scheduled end time. It was a true testament to the community we’re building—one where everyone feels connected and valued.
If you’re inspired by our vision and want to be part of this transformative journey, we invite you to sign up as a mentee or mentor. Together, we can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
As we move forward, let’s celebrate this initiative and the bright future ahead for our students. Here’s to making a lasting impact!
BLiSS is funded by the HLS Faculty EDIW pump priming fund.
For any inquiries, please email the BLiSS Mentoring Scheme at bliss@liverpool.ac.uk.