Mentor a First-Generation College Student! (UC Merced)

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Only 31.6% of first-generation, low-income students enrolled in a four-year college, graduate within six-years. By volunteering to mentor a first-generation college student over four-years, you can help change the trajectory of someone’s future! You will receive gratification from witnessing the direct impact you can make in a young-person’s life.

"My university experience has definitely been challenging but having someone who supports and believes in my potential despite the obstacles means so much that it empowers me to continue. She strengthens my belief that coming this June I will be the first to graduate and change the history of my family. I love my mentor and the bond that we share. " -PCF Scholar

The Peninsula College Fund is recruiting volunteers to serve as one-to-one mentors to a new class of talented first-generation college students. Mentors are supportive professionals that provide guidance, support, networking, and positive role modeling to a student throughout his or her entire college career. Learn more about this life-changing experience at: www.peninsulacollegefund.org/what-we-do/mentoring/

Mentor Requirements:

• Be at least 25 years old, and a college graduate.

• Have had professional experience (be an active or retired professional) and be willing to provide career-readiness support.

• Can commit to a mentoring relationship for the duration of your student’s college career (at least 4 years), including occasional meetings in person and/or by remote means.

• Communicate with matched student at least twice a month.

• Attend a full-day orientation and at least one training/year. Attendance at other events is strongly encouraged.

• Must pass a criminal background check and have no DUI convictions.

Mentors Receive:

• Orientation and initial training.
• Ongoing training and ongoing support from PCF.
• A rewarding experience to support an underserved, and often overlooked first-generation college student achieve their goals and change their future.

"As a first-generation college student myself, I wish I would have had a program like PCF to help me through all the challenges I faced. It really means a lot to me to be able to give back and offer support to students who are working hard, against lots of tough odds to educate themselves, achieve career success and give back to their communities." - PCF Mentor