National Mentoring Month: How The College Connections Program Changes Student’s Lives  

This National Mentoring Month, The Fresh Air Fund is proud to highlight just a few of the many inspiring College Connections Program (CCP) mentors who guide our students through college access, and support their personal growth and development. 

CCP connects students with volunteer mentors and creates spaces that foster a sense of belonging, community, and excitement about the future. Weekly mentoring sessions are a component of the program, which supports high school students through the college application process, providing them with the tools and resources they need to apply, obtain financial assistance and graduate. 

It Takes a Village 

Many CCP mentors volunteered because they were motivated by their own experiences as college-bound students in need of extra support. Mentoring is what helped them overcome the challenges they faced while preparing for college and their careers, illustrating just how transformative and life-changing programs like CCP can be for students. 

Samantha Figueredo, a software engineer at Optum, became a CCP mentor to drive positive change and make a lasting impact in her communities. She is a Camp ABC and CCP alum and a first-generation college graduate from a family of immigrants. “What really motivated me was this idea that it takes a village, especially being a first-generation college student,” Samantha said. “Because of the support CCP gave me as a low-income student of color, I was able to access free tutoring and mentoring. I’m now deeply passionate about helping expose students to these resources and potentially change their lives.” 

Shariff Bukari’s summers at Camp Mariah exploring new interests and connecting with his counselors, inspired him to become a volunteer mentor and give back to the organization that helped him.  “I had many firsts at camp. I went hiking and swimming – I even had s’mores. I am now a Pace University graduate, a relationship banker at JPMorganChase, and a proud College Connections Program mentor, giving back to the very organization that has given me so much.”

Tevin Green, a Project Manager Officer at Citi, had impactful experiences with mentors in high school, and the network he built during that time inspired him to become a mentor himself. “I still keep in touch with my mentors, and I loved the program. I wanted to give back and when I thought about volunteering, my mind went to CCP first. I love my current students and how I’m able to see them go from early high school all the way up into college.” 

Lissette Kenion’s favorite thing about being a CCP mentor is seeing students grow and develop. “Most importantly, seeing their minds mature into thinking about their future career and life plans is a highlight of mine. Seeing them execute their plans and take the right actions to achieve their goals is very rewarding as a mentor.”  

Lissette shared, when she was a student her CCP mentors helped her prepare for college and gave her something to look forward to. “The Fresh Air Fund’s programs opened my eyes to more possibilities for my future. Now that I’ve become a mentor, it’s nice to be able to impact someone else’s life and help open doors for other people that were opened for me.” Lisette now has a career in the Navy in human resources and security.  

Student Impact 

Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum with workshop topics ranging from mental health and stress management to resume building, leadership and college financial literacy. College spotlight events connect students with admissions representatives from colleges and universities and offer them the opportunity to explore a broad range of higher education options.  

CCP introduced Jazalin, 16, to art and science schools that aligned with her goals of becoming a fashion designer, actress or entomologist. 

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my mentors is that it’s okay to be unsure about what you want to pursue in the future,” Jazalin said. “It’s enough to start forming ideas so you know what direction to go in, and then find schools that offer what you’re interested in.” 

“I’m very excited to enter my senior year with CCP as a resource. I’ll already know what to do when it comes to the college application process,” Jazalin said.  

CCP is where Ibraheem, 18, learned about the college application process, how to apply for financial aid and scholarships and started networking with other students. Ibraheem is now attending Syracuse University and majoring in computer science. “I’ve learned a lot that I wouldn’t have learned at school or just in my classes. CCP taught me communication skills and I gained a lot of independence.” 

Mentors make a critical difference in the lives of students and play an invaluable role in shaping their futures and setting them up for success.  

The Fresh Air Fund is grateful for all of our CCP mentors for their commitment and the daily inspiration they give to their students and communities.