Statistics show that first-generation college students drop out five-times more than other students, earn 10 percent less than their peers after graduating, and are primarily from low-income households.
To address these staggering statistics, New Jersey Needs You (NJNY) launched last fall to pair outstanding first-generation college students with young professionals from a variety of industries who serve as their mentor coach for the duration of the two-year fellowship program. The initiative seeks to help students in New Jersey realize their education and career potential through networking and support opportunities. NJNY launched last fall to assist students in the New Jersey area, and three Saint Peter’s University students – Matthew Feeney ’15, Aileny Santos Cabral ’14 and Clint Sevilla ’15 – were chosen to participate in the fellowship program.
“[To have three Saint Peter’s students chosen for this program] suggests that we have some highly motivated, high achieving students who have overcome great odds to be successful in a competitive and challenging economic environment,” said Peter M. Gotlieb, associate dean for experiential learning and career services at Saint Peter’s University.
According to the NJNY website, the rigorous selection process yielded 25 high potential first-generation rising sophomores and juniors that reflect the ethnic diversity of New Jersey. Fellows in the NJNY program earn a $2,500 professional development grant; access to two summer internships at prestigious companies and organizations; receive individualized support from their mentor coach; obtain in-kind services and products such as free business attire, free writing and ESL support, subsidized test prep, discounted laptops and tablet computers; and networking opportunities with leading industry professionals.
Santos was initially interested in the NJNY Fellows Program for networking opportunities, but soon learned the program had many more benefits. “It is really hard to be the first one to attend college,” she said. “There really is no guidance as to majors, types of schools and the like. Yet it is very rewarding to have the opportunity to show my parents that the sacrifices they have made for me and my siblings are paying off.”
And find this guidance she did. As part of the initial stage of the program, students were required to attend five workshops critical to selecting a suitable mentor coach. Santos was paired with Mark Jurcevic, an associate in the controller’s department at Goldman Sachs. While they mostly meet at the NJNY workshops, they are constantly in touch. “He gives me great advice on defining what I want to do, what areas of my major I can go into and knowledge of possible internships,” she said.
In addition to providing students with a mentor, the program also hosts workshops throughout the two-year commitment to the program that cover resume building exercises, explore career options that are best suited for a student’s particular interest, provide activities designed to boost networking skills and more. Students are also required to complete assignments regarding resume and cover letter writing as well as complete two internships.
“Because of the program, I have met so many different people from different professions and different career paths,” Santos said. “With each workshop, I have the chance to focus my energy on identifying the necessary steps to get where I want to be. It also allows me to better understand my skills and abilities.”
She added, “Being part of a team that is there to help myself and the other fellows is really inspiring and admirable; it brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams.”