Higher education is key for long-term, multi-generation economic success in the United States. First generation college students face higher barriers to success in college than peers with parents who graduated from college. In partnership with MassBay Community College and Framingham State University, JFS of Metrowest developed this pilot program to reduce these barriers and help students achieve lasting success in college using a three-tiered strategy to achieve its goals:

In-Class Mentoring

Volunteers with professional experience act as mentors in MassBay classrooms, providing professional, personal, and academic guidance to students. MassBay professors incorporate mentors into the lesson plan, giving them space to provide real-life examples and lead small-group discussions.

One-on-One Mentoring

Once they have developed connections to students in class, interested mentors are paired with students at the end of the semester for one-on-one mentorships lasting six months, or longer. At this stage, mentors work more closely with individual students to help with professional development, networking, goal-setting, and developing other skills to help them succeed professionally.

Family Assistance Program

In addition to the robust mentorship program, a JFS community resource specialist is available to meet with MassBay students and their families to provide information and assistance regarding housing, employment, nutrition programs, legal assistance, medical assistance, utilities assistance and answer any questions families may have. Assistance is offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Building on the success of the pilot program, this initiative is now in its second phase with MassBay managing the in-class and one-on-one mentoring components while JFS continues to be a resource to Metrowest students and their families when assistance is needed.

This innovative program is one example of how JFS, through collaborative community partnerships, is working to accelerate social, academic and health equity in our community.