York College’s First‑Generation Mentors Help New Students Navigate College
College can feel like uncharted territory for many students. For first‑generation college students, that feeling is magnified by the expectation to bridge two worlds—home and campus—without a ready-made map. York College’s First Spartans program tackles that challenge head‑on, turning mentoring relationships into practical tools for success, confidence, and community.
Why First‑Generation Mentoring Matters
Research consistently shows that first‑generation students face higher rates of academic struggle, financial stress, and isolation. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly one in two first‑generation college students disengage before completing their first year. Mentoring can reverse that trend by providing:
- Academic Guidance – Strategies for managing coursework and learning styles.
- Institutional Insight – Knowledge of hidden resources, campus life, and support systems.
- Emotional Support – A sounding board for challenges that often go unvoiced.
- Professional Networking – Early exposure to career pathways and alumni mentorship.
First Spartans: Turning Classroom Exercise Into Career Foundations
In a 2025 First‑Year Seminar led by Professor Adrienne Brenner, students were assigned to interview faculty members and staff who share their first‑generation status. What began as a writing assignment evolved into a living curriculum: students learned from lived experience, forged meaningful relationships, and gained a tangible understanding of what it takes to thrive at York College.
Key takeaways from the program include:
- Resilience Over Perfection – Mentors emphasize that progress, not flawless performance, demonstrates growth.
- Identity Exploration – Students who asked about their mentors’ earliest college memories discovered common ground that humanized the academic experience.
Setting Up Your Mentorship: Practical Steps for Success
Whether you’re a first‑generation student looking for a mentor or an educator aiming to support them, the following checklist can help you build an effective mentorship:
- Identify Your Goals – Clarify what you hope to achieve: better study habits, navigating financial aid, or exploring career options.
- Find Mentors Who Have Walked the Walk – Look for faculty, staff, or alumni who became college students first in their families.
- Create a Meeting Cadence – Regular, brief check‑ins (30 minutes once a month) keep momentum without overloading either party.
- Prepare Thoughtful Questions – Prioritize open‑ended inquiries that invite discussion rather than yes/no answers.
- Show Gratitude and Keep the Relationship Reciprocal – Send a thank‑you note, update on progress, or offer assistance in areas you can support.
Once these elements are in place, the mentorship naturally expands beyond academic support to form a lasting partnership.
Case Study: The Power of Reciprocal Storytelling
One notable story was told by Dr. Klaudia Lewis, a junior faculty member who joined York College after navigating her family’s first foray into higher education. She said: “Good friends will lift you up when you need it the most, help you study, and keep you moving forward.” Her own students have replicated this structure, creating peer‑mentoring circles that reinforce the initial mentorship’s benefits.
Classroom Culture Shifts Through Shared Experience
When students see faculty members discuss their own first‑generation challenges, the classroom dynamic shifts from a one‑way lecture to a two‑way conversation. Students gain confidence in raising questions and feel validated in their narratives, creating a more inclusive learning environment.
First Spartans Beyond the Classroom
York College’s initiative extends into campus events, community outreach, and the annual Meet & Greet. These gatherings give students and mentors the chance to celebrate achievements, discuss future goals, and offer support to newer entrants.
The program also collaborates with the Office of Academic Success, where Tammy Meisenhelter, a first‑generation graduate, offers workshops on “Doing the Things That Scare You.” These sessions emphasize experiential learning: trying new courses or extracurricular activities even when they feel intimidating.
Translating Mentorship into Career Momentum
Mentors often serve as a bridge to internships and professional pathways. For example, Dr. Glenn Miller—Vice President for Advancement and a first‑generation alumnus—illustrates how relationships formed during early college years can lead to faculty positions, leadership roles, and alumni governance. Students who actively network with their mentors have higher rates of employment upon graduation.
Metrics of Impact and Continuous Improvement
York College tracks First Spartans’ success through:
- Retention Rates – An uptick in first‑generation student retention at 78% within the first academic year.
- Academic Performance – A 0.3-grade-point lift in core courses among program participants.
- Survey Feedback – 88% of mentees report feeling more connected to the campus community.
- Post‑Graduation Reach – Alumni who were first‑generation mentees are twice as likely to hold alumni engagement positions.
How You Can Get Involved Today
First‑generation students can apply to the First Spartans program through the campus portal or contact the First Year Experience office for guidance.
Educators and staff are encouraged to sign up to become mentors by providing background and availability in the College’s Mentor Registry.
Prospective mentors and mentees who want to collaborate can begin by scheduling a coffee chat—virtual or in person—during the next Meet & Greet event.
Take Action: If you’re a student, submit your application now and start building the support network that will lift you across campus and beyond.
Job: Learn more about the First Spartans initiative.
Resources for First‑Generation Students and Mentors
- First‑Year Experience handbook – PDF download
- Financial Aid Resources – Apply for aid
- Academic Success workshops – Register for workshops
- Alumni network portal – Join alumni community
- Campus support centers – Discover services
Talk About It—Join the Conversation
We invite you to share your experience with first‑generation mentoring on our Facebook group or via the comments section below. Your story could inspire the next cohort of First Spartans.
Interested in collaborating or speaking at the next Meet & Greet? Get in touch with the College’s outreach team to explore opportunities.
Final Thoughts
First‑generation college students often find themselves at a crossroads. By tapping into mentorship programs like First Spartans, they receive tangible guidance, emotional resilience, and a lasting network. Faculty, staff, and alumni play a pivotal role—not only by sharing experience but by actively listening and nurturing the next generation’s ambitions.
Every step taken by a student today contributes to a stronger, more inclusive campus community for those that follow. Join the initiative, and help craft a campus narrative where being first is celebrated, not feared.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to York College today and become part of a program that empowers first‑generation success.
