This research studies a doctoral program that includes a cohort component. Candidates engage in active learning and in the skill of mentoring. Research on peer mentoring has shown to support graduate students as they progress in their study (Luna & Cullen, 1998). Analysis of the data found themes relating to mentoring and community: candidates identify the act of mentoring with leadership development; candidates see mentoring as a form of social as well as emotional/psychological support; candidates build community within own cohort but not necessarily across cohort lines.