Mentoring Program Offers 1-on-1 Support for NYCHA Residents in Early College Years
Navigating the first couple years of college can be quite the undertaking, but for some, having someone to lean on for guidance might be just the resource they need to get over the hump.
Through a new free program, 蜜桃视频 who are enrolled in either their first or second year of college are provided the opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor for career planning and other support.
The NYCHA College Mentoring Program is an initiative between the Authority and the , a nonprofit that supports NYCHA and its residents, with a key focus on opportunities for youth. The pilot program features the post-secondary curriculum of , a nonprofit that partners students with a college-educated mentor to help them succeed in their college journey and achieve their ambitions.
鈥淲e were looking to offer NYCHA youth opportunities for career development,鈥 said Carrie Torres, Strategic Projects Manager in NYCHA鈥檚 Office of Public/Private Partnerships, who serves as a liaison to the Fund.
The college-enrolled NYCHA residents will take part in monthly virtual skill-building workshops with their mentor and receive ongoing program support for up to two years. Students will also be eligible to apply for emergency financial support from iMentor for supplies such as a laptop, and earn compensation for participating in all mentor program activities.
鈥淲e really wanted a way to provide residents with a resource that would help them to persist on their college journey,鈥 said Tischelle George, NYCHA鈥檚 Director of Resident Engagement.
The participating mentors are professionals from various industries who have earned at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Each mentor undergoes a background screening before being matched with a college mentee.
While some students may face challenges as they seek to complete a bachelor鈥檚 program, Ms. Torres noted that having a mentor can help improve their chances of fulfilling the degree requirements. For those who are the first in their family to attend college, a mentorship with a college graduate can help shepherd them through the experience, Ms. George added.
鈥淭he one-on-one mentoring is something we anticipate 蜜桃视频 may truly value, especially if they are a first-generation college student,鈥 Ms. George said.
For more information, email resident.programs@nycha.nyc.gov.