Empower NYC Youth: College Mentorship

During my first month of university at Babson College, I struggled to get into organizations and find my place at college. Being that I was the first person in my family to attend college, the experience was difficult being far from home.

Seeing many students well-prepared for school, I often felt behind. As I called my friends we all realized that we didn't have trusted mentors we could rely on as not everyone understands what it's like to be first-gen or low-income.

This led us to develop the Unity Scholars Network (USN), where we believe every student deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in higher education, regardless of their background. We provide free, personalized mentorship to underrepresented students in New York City, guiding them through the college application and equipping them with the tools and support they need to access the education they deserve.

Why We Need Your Help: Navigating the complex college admissions process can be overwhelming, especially for students from disadvantaged communities who may not have access to the resources or guidance they need. With funding, we'll be able to purchase higher-level college admissions resources, a video conferencing software subscription, grammer-checking software, as well as fund in-person events with students.

That’s where the Unity Scholars Network steps in. Our dedicated mentors—students and graduates from top colleges—are paired with high schoolers to provide one-on-one assistance with everything from college essays to financial aid applications. Through workshops, personalized guidance, and community support, we’re bridging the gap and leveling the playing field for these students.

More on what we as an organization do:

Recruit and Train Mentors: Ensure every student has access to qualified, dedicated mentors from top-50 universities who can guide them through the entire application process.

Host Workshops and Panels: Organize educational workshops, including virtual panels with admissions officers from top universities like Columbia, UPenn, and Yale, to provide insights into the admissions process.

Develop Accessible Resources: Create and distribute free resources, tools, and guides that students can use to make informed decisions about college applications and financial aid.

Near-Pear Resource: Our mentors can better connect with mentees' personal experiences to better motivate them to compete in their college careers and beyond.

Learn more about us @ Unity Scholars Network

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