Campus Connections
Campus Connections pairs UNC students with young people who may be experiencing challenges and benefit from extra support from caring adults.
Support, Inspire, Build Community
Campus Connections is a 3-credit service-learning course where UNC students mentor local youth ages 11–18. The program pairs UNC students with young people who may be experiencing challenges and benefit from extra support from caring adults.
Through this experience, UNC students make a positive impact in the community while gaining valuable, hands-on experience working with youth. Campus Connections began at Colorado State University and was introduced at UNC in 2015. Today, it serves youth in Greeley and surrounding areas, creating meaningful connections that benefit both students and families.
What It's All About
Mentorship
As a mentor, you’ll spend four hours once a week with your mentee in a group setting on the UNC campus. During this time, you’ll help with:
- Schoolwork and academic support
- Career planning and goal setting
- Building positive social and life skills
- Exploring the college experience
Community Referrals & Partnerships
Youth are referred to the program through Weld County schools and community partners. Each UNC student is matched with one youth and provides one-on-one mentoring throughout the semester.
Youth & Family
Campus Connections supports young people in setting and working toward their goals while fostering a caring and encouraging environment. By engaging on UNC’s campus, participants and their families gain exposure to university life and discover the possibilities of lifelong learning, exploration, and growth in areas such as education, psychology, and human services.
A group of four students are sitting talking to each other
Meet the Staff
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
| Kaitlyn Jones | Campus Connections Instructor | kaitlyn.jones@unco.edu | 970-351-1635 |
| Heather Pendleton-Helm | Faculty Supervisor | heather.helm@unco.edu | 970-351-1630 |
| Mallory Radcliff | Campus Connections Instructor | mallory.radcliff@unco.edu | 970-351-1635 |
| Brian Johnson | Faculty Supervisor | brian.johnson@unco.edu | 970-351-2209 |
| Jennifer Murdock-Bishop | Faculty Supervisor | jennifer.murdock-bishop@unco.edu | 970-351-2544 |
| Leah Skelton | Campus Connections Instructor | leah.skelton@unco.edu | 970-351-1635 |
Our Values
Campus Connections at UNC: Helping Youth Grow and Supporting Student Leaders
Campus Connections at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) helps local youth build life skills, confidence, and strong community connections. The program supports youth success while also preparing UNC students to become caring, community-focused leaders.
Each week, student mentors spend four hours with their mentee in a group setting. During this time, mentors help with:
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School support and tutoring
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Career and future planning
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Social skill building
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Setting and working toward personal goals
Mentors and mentees build strong relationships over time. UNC graduate students and trained supervisors are also there to guide and support mentors, making sure youth get the best care possible.
Campus Connections is part of UNC’s Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education (APCE). This department also runs the Psychological Services Clinic (PSC), which provides mental health support to the Greeley area.
Youth in Campus Connections and their families can get free or low-cost services through the PSC, such as:
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Individual counseling
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Family and couples counseling
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Play therapy
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Assessments and evaluations
Campus Connections is a great way for UNC students to make a difference, gain experience, and support local youth and families.
Campus Connections is a youth mentoring program at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). It helps local youth ages 11–18 who may be facing tough challenges at home, in school, or in their communities. These youth are referred by local schools, courts, or community programs and are matched with a UNC student mentor.
UNC undergraduate and graduate students provide one-on-one mentoring. They meet with their mentees once a week on UNC’s campus. This gives youth the chance to explore college life, learn new things, and see the value of education up close.
The program is led by UNC faculty and doctoral students who plan and supervise the evening activities. They also teach group lessons that support the youth’s growth and give mentors helpful guidance.
Each mentoring pair is part of a small group called a Mentor Family. These families are made up of youth around the same age, along with their mentors. This special group structure gives youth a chance to connect with others their age, build friendships, and feel supported by a caring community.
Campus Connections helps youth grow, learn, and feel supported—while giving UNC students valuable experience in mentoring and leadership.
Directions to McKee Hall
- Enter UNC’s campus by turning south onto 14th Avenue off of 20th Street.
- Take the first left at the stop sign into the side parking lot.
- Continue to drive through the parking lot until you reach McKee Hall, which will be in front of you on your right.
- Mentors or Mentor Coaches will be waiting by the parking lot to greet Campus Connections youth.
Questions? Contact Us!
Jennifer Murdock-Bishop
Interim Chair and Professor