MMC Introduces New ‘First Generation’ Initiative and Mentor Program

The First Generation program at Marymount Manhattan College is a campus-wide initiative aimed at supporting students who are first in their families to attend college or university.

The program provides opportunities for students to build community with one another, receive academic support, gain access to resources, and work towards their professional development.

“First Generation college students are faced with a unique set of challenges in being the first in the family to attend college,” explains Rebecca Mattis-Pinard, Chief Diversity Office at MMC. “In order to address the needs specific to this population, this program will provide high touch support through academic support, mentorship and skill development to this group of students who often do not know what support is available to them or may not feel comfortable reaching out for assistance.”

Central to the College’s new initiative is the First Generation Mentor Program, designed to provide social support through building strong relationships with faculty and staff across campus, who serve as mentors to students. Participation in the program aims to increase awareness of campus resources and to provide support to students outside of the classroom. 

The year-long program matches incoming First Generation students with faculty and staff at MMC, some of whom were First Generation students themselves, and all of whom are fully invested in student success at the College. Throughout the year, mentees will meet one-on-one with their mentors and the program’s coordinators, as well as attend workshops focused on professional development, academic success, and wellness. Interested in the Mentorship program? Apply here

In addition to the mentorship program, various workshops and social events will be offered throughout the academic year specifically for First Generation college students. To learn more about this exciting initiative, visit the First Generation Program page. 

Published: August 15, 2019