South Dakota Mines has launched a new mentorship training program designed to strengthen peer support for student mental health on campus. The initiative, which started as an idea from Whitney Bischoff, who works with Lost&Found, expands the organization’s Peer2Peer mentorship program by tapping into built-in support systems within fraternities and sororities. A pilot program funded through the South Dakota Department of Health began this spring and will run through next May.
The training focuses on mentorship skills, boundaries, self-care, and recognizing and responding to mental health needs. It is based in part on research from The Jed Foundation, which encourages Greek organizations to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behaviors. Students meet regularly over 16 weeks, using guided prompts while building relationships organically. Several Greek organizations at Mines have completed training so far, with additional interest from the University of South Dakota and even national chapters.
Growing Interest and Broader Impact
Jack Myers, a junior and vice president of Phi Kappa Tau, said the program helps spark meaningful conversations and build stronger connections among students. Both Bischoff and Myers report that the program is already making an impact, with hopes it will continue to grow and support students beyond Mines. The training equips peer mentors with practical tools to identify and respond to mental health concerns while fostering a broader network of support across campus rather than relying on one-on-one mentorship alone.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.kotatv.com/2026/04/04/new-mentorship-training-aims-boost-student-mental-health-support-south-dakota-mines/