Jesselton University College (JUC) proudly implements the Thrive Mentorship Program, a comprehensive structured mentoring scheme designed to foster academic achievement, leadership development, and personal growth among students, with a special emphasis on supporting female participation in higher education and the workforce. This initiative demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusivity, equal opportunity, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 5 Gender Equality.
The Thrive Mentorship Program connects students with experienced academic mentors, industry professionals, and successful female role models who provide tailored guidance, career coaching, and emotional support. Through this platform, female students are encouraged to pursue leadership positions, explore professional growth in male dominated fields, and develop confidence in their academic and career paths.
Key features of the Thrive Mentorship Program include one on one mentoring sessions, group workshops, peer led support circles, and access to campus wide mental health and counselling services. In addition, women students are invited to participate in specialized tracks such as “Women Lead”, which focuses on building decision making skills, entrepreneurship readiness, and public speaking confidence.
In 2024, more than 10 percent of JUC’s female student body actively participated in the Thrive Mentorship Program and related events. Notably, the university organized the Psychology Experimental Day as part of its holistic mentoring framework, attracting over 50 percent women participation. This ad hoc event provided a safe and interactive platform for students to explore psychological well being, emotional resilience, and stress management, key themes that directly support women’s academic retention and empowerment.
The Thrive Mentorship Program is openly promoted through JUC’s website, student affairs channels, and academic departments, making it publicly accessible and visible. By integrating academic mentoring with emotional and career support, JUC ensures that female students are not only welcomed into the university community but are also equipped to thrive, lead, and inspire future generations. The Thrive Mentorship Program is a long term institutional effort to drive inclusive education, gender balanced leadership, and measurable social impact.
