Student Transition Empowerment Program STEP

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years

Colleen Rich — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:44:28 +0000

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years Colleen Rich Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:44

On June 10, 2024, more than 110 golfers came together at Westfields Golf Club to support first-generation students through ��AV’s Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic.

From left, Richard McGruder, Ron Bagga, Chris DiLiberto and Sandy Spring Bank's Marcus Perry at the Diversity Golf Classic. Photo by Warren Spears

A summer highlight for nearly 30 years, the annual tournament, which is presented by George Mason’s University Life division, has raised more than $850,000 in scholarship funds for students in the Early Identification Program (EIP) and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP).

“It’s a longstanding tradition,” said Lewis E. Forrest II, BA ’96, MA ’05, associate dean of University Life. “A lot of good folks put their arms around it, helping out in a lot of different ways to get people out here for EIP and STEP.”

EIP welcomes rising eighth-grade students from seven school districts in Northern Virginia, who participate throughout high school in year-round, multi-year mentoring, tutoring, STEM enrichment, and other support designed to aid in their academic and personal success, preparation for college, and career readiness. Students who graduate from EIP following 12th grade receive automatic acceptance to George Mason (provided they meet the requirements for enrollment); in the 2024 EIP class, 97% of the students enrolled in higher education. George Mason currently has 170 EIP graduates among its students.

George Mason alum Enrique Carrero shared his experiences with EIP at the event. Photo by Warren Spears

STEP, a multi-year bridge program within George Mason’s First-Gen+ Center, was created to enhance the recruitment, engagement, and retention of first-generation college students accepted to George Mason. Incoming university students spend six weeks on campus prior to their first fall semester, where they earn three college credits and build a network of peers, faculty, and staff. As they move into the academic year, students receive continuous support to help them transition to college: academic preparation, leadership, access to resources, mentoring, time management, and community service.

The golfers enjoying the classic included many returning participants. Jim Green, a co-chair of the golf classic and one of the creators of the event, was on hand to compete, along with his wife, Gigi Green, BIS ’00, MA ’09. Green said he appreciates the longevity of this summer tradition.

"A number of people have been coming since the beginning,” said Jim Green, “which speaks to the legacy and also speaks to what the program’s about: We’re concerned about kids and helping them get their education.”

Green’s sentiment was echoed by the enthusiastic philanthropic supporters of the classic.

Annie Bolger is the corporate and client service manager of Sandy Spring Bank and a member of the University Life Advisory Board. “Sandy Spring is very involved in the community in many different ways, and we are very involved with George Mason,” Bolger said.

Sandy Spring Bank has served as the title sponsor of the classic for 14 years—and is a longtime friend to George Mason. This year, it led a group of 56 sponsors, donors, and contributors who helped make the event a success.

“It’s at the heart of who we are as an organization,” said Marcus Perry, Sandy Spring Bank’s senior vice president and regional group sales manager for Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Our mission since the beginning has been to not only serve the financial needs of our communities but also the general needs of our community that we’re in. Our involvement with George Mason is just a natural.”

Jim Green said he looked forward to a beautiful day of golf as well as to next year’s event, the 30th annual outing. “It’s already in our minds,” he said. “We’re recruiting people, talking to folks. Here’s hoping that, by our 30th, we will raise over a million dollars!”

Learn more about the Early Identification Program (EIP)

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This winter graduate is leaving a legacy of community

Sarah Holland — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:47:42 +0000

This winter graduate is leaving a legacy of community Sarah Holland Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:47

Photo provided.

From the moment Jason Mercado, a biology major in the College of Science and a member of the Honors College, came to ��AV as part of the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), he embraced all the possibilities of campus involvement. From being an orientation leader to working as an environmental field interpreter for school programs, Mercado made the most of his time at Mason. He’s graduating this week with his eyes toward a healthier future for all.

What made you choose Mason and your major?

First, the diversity. Not just of the student population, but also the diversity of the faculty and staff, the diversity of experiences, and the diversity in all the ways to learn. It was also affordable for me and my family, and it was close to home.

I picked biology because I’m passionate about research and learning about our ecosystems and the health of our communities. Initially, my goal was to go to medical school, but after learning more about epidemiology, I decided I was more interested in the community-based approach to public health. Every community faces the threat of disease, but they’re affected in different proportions. Like how Latino communities were affected more by COVID-19 than other communities. I think studying those discrepancies and figuring out why that happens will lead to us being able to get those communities the resources they need. So I added the public health minor.

What’s one accomplishment you’re proud of from your time at Mason?

I had the honor of being the president of what is now called the Latino Student Association. I feel very proud of being able to spearhead the largest Latino organization on campus and help the community academically, professionally, and socially. Under my leadership, we created the Unidos Scholarship to give back to our community. We started hosting professional events for members to network with alumni. I think of those things as my legacy.

What was your favorite event hosted by the Latino Student Association?

Every year we put on Bienvenida Latina to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. We collaborate with Mason Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment, Mason First-Gen+, and all the other Latino and Hispanic organizations. We have music and food from different countries. People sing, play instruments, perform poetry, dance. It’s a day to celebrate our identity as Latino and share our cultures with the whole campus.

What is one thing you’ll take from your Mason education and bring to your future career?

My biology degree has definitely strengthened my research capabilities and improved my general knowledge, which will help me pursue a graduate degree.

I think also the different perspectives that you can get here at Mason have taught me to be more empathetic and approach more situations with an open mind. Mason's not a monolith; there’s a great diversity of perspectives and experiences. I’ve listened to and learned from students and faculty from such diverse backgrounds. Being able to empathize with people and being able to understand where they come from, why they think a certain way, is something I’ll definitely be able to take into wherever I work.

What are your plans for after graduation?

My plan is to go to graduate school for epidemiology. After that, hopefully I’ll work in a local or state health department. Maybe the Centers for Disease Control. I want to work with and help vulnerable communities.

If you could give a first-year student advice on how to navigate college, what would you say?

Get involved. I’ve met and worked with a lot of great people that have helped me land certain jobs at Mason, all because I got to know my faculty and classmates and got involved. So find an organization that interests you, or that relates to your major, and commit to it. Get to know people and run for leadership positions; it’s all valuable experience and connections that can help you later.

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Mason’s STEP program helps first-generation students get ready for the college experience

Colleen Rich — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:23:14 +0000

Mason’s STEP program helps first-generation students get ready for the college experience Colleen Rich Tue, 08/16/2022 - 11:23

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From left, Mason incoming freshmen Jacie Hernandez, Linh Vu, and Neyda Gonzalez spent six weeks on campus this summer as a part of the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP). Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Linh Vu, a recent graduate of Lake Braddock High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, spent six weeks this summer living on ��AV’s Fairfax Campus preparing for her first year of college.

Vu, who plans to study nursing, attended Mason’s Student Transition Empowerment Program’s (STEP) Summer, a residential program for incoming Mason first-year students who are also first-generation. Participants, who are selected through an application process, live on campus and participate in a variety of workshops and activities aimed at helping them navigate college and build a support system. They also earn three college credits.

“I’m going to be a commuter student; I was worried about being part of the community. But now, because of being in this program, I already feel a part of it,” Vu said. “Through STEP, I got a chance to understand Mason better.”

STEP is an initiative of the First-Gen + Center created to enhance the recruitment, engagement and retention of first-generation college students. Its mission is to empower first-generation students through academic skill development, access to resources, community building and self-discovery. This year, the summer program had 37 student participants and 10 staff members, all of whom also were or are first-generation college students themselves. The program, free to participating students, is funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Kelsey Ruiz, a STEP Summer staff member, said that first-generation college students often struggle because they don’t have the advantage of parents who have experienced college and understand how it works. In addition, first-generation college students can come from lower-income circumstances.

“While they are at STEP Summer, the students are getting the best of the college experience. It is an opportunity not to worry about food or housing insecurity,” said Ruiz. “Students also go on activities together and have critical community dialogue sessions about identity and respecting themselves and each other.”

Neyda Gonzalez, who graduated from Justice High School in Fairfax County, said she’s grateful for the opportunity through STEP Summer to meet other students before the fall semester.

“I was worried I would feel alone, but now I’ve already started making friends and memories,” Gonzalez, who plans to study accounting. “STEP helped me understand and get to know other first-generation students who are different from myself. That’s important because Mason is such a diverse school, and now I feel like I will be able to connect with more people because I’ve already experienced the diversity in STEP.”

STEP evolved to its current format and structure from the initial Student Transition Program, started in 1990 to increase college access and retention for Virginia Black, Hispanic and Latino college students, according to Amber Holton-Thomas, director of the First-Gen+ Center.

“Students who participate in STEP have six weeks together, gain college credits, and build community,” said Holton-Thomas. “The most valuable aspect is that the program doesn't end after summer, but instead is a multi-year support initiative. STEP Scholars have support, programming and scholarships throughout their entire time at Mason."

Jacie Hernandez, who graduated from Liberty High School in Fauquier County, plans to study computer game design at Mason. Hernandez said STEP Summer helped with anticipating what the fall semester might be like.

“It was an honor to be part of the program,” Hernandez said. “I feel ready to start the next chapter of my life.”

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Meet the Class of 2026

First Gen + Center

Mason teams with Dominion Energy, HACU for Summer Bridge Program

John Hollis — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:39:00 +0000

Mason teams with Dominion Energy, HACU for Summer Bridge Program John Hollis Wed, 07/27/2022 - 08:39

��AV has partnered with Dominion Energy and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to create a Summer Bridge Program designed to further expose Latino/a high school students to STEM and establish a source of STEM-oriented students to support the energy industry. Photo provided

��AV has partnered with Dominion Energy and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to create a Summer Bridge Program designed to further expose Latino/a high school students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and establish a source of STEM-oriented students to support the energy industry.

The Summer Bridge Program, which is going on now at Mason, is part of Dominion’s Building Hispanic Talent Initiative, a three-year, $2 million program that will benefit more than 1,250 students at seven colleges and universities while also allowing them to earn college credits. The seven-week Summer Bridge Program provides mentoring and tutoring, as well as career awareness and exploration seminars.

The mission and work of Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) align well with the goal of this talent initiative, said Khaseem Davis, the director of EIP.

“For me, it’s very satisfying because I think about my own experience, not really having access to any of this, not really having programs like this when I was growing up,” Davis said. “When I got to college, I didn’t even know what college credits were. I didn’t know what a career was. So being able to provide students this information and kind of help them to demystify and debunk these ideas that they can’t achieve whatever goals they set is very satisfying.”

Mason is among the seven higher education institutions in Virginia, North Carolina, Connecticut, Utah, and Puerto Rico in the initiative.

“All students should have access to a quality education and the many doors an advanced degree provides,” said Carter Reid, executive vice president and chief of staff for Dominion Energy. “This is a step toward improving equity for Hispanic students and increasing diversity in STEM careers.”

Focused on Latino students, the Summer Bridge Program is also open to other historically marginalized groups as well and will be customized for each of the seven pilot institutions. The program introduces students to STEM careers and the energy industry, as well as acclimating them to a university campus and the rigors of academic life. Each student will participate in and receive college credit for college-level courses in engineering, business, cybertechnology and biotechnology.

Approximately 40 students are attending the inaugural Summer Bridge Program at Mason that began on June 27 and runs through July 29. The program will culminate with a student trip to Dominion Energy’s North Anna Nuclear Power Station in Louisa, Virginia.

“Our new partnership with Dominion Energy is a substantial investment in the success of our Hispanic students in the vital field of energy development and services, an undeniable necessity in ensuring the prosperity of our nation,” said Antonio R. Flores, HACU president and CEO. “We are excited to launch this new initiative at seven higher education institutions to foster skilled professionals able to meet the needs of the energy industry.”

Emma Toggia is one such student who is making the most of this summer opportunity. The 17-year-old rising senior at Alexandria City (formerly T.C. Williams) High School said she’s enjoying the two classes she’s taking as part of the First2Conserve Program, which is under the umbrella of the Building Hispanic Talent Initiative.

“I appreciate the program and what it offers us,” Toggia said. “By exposing students to this knowledge at a young age, it gives us an opportunity to expand on our career choices.”

Dominion Energy will support HACU membership costs for the participating institutions for the duration of the project. HACU membership provides all college students at these institutions access to HACU programs and services such as corporate internship programs, academic scholarships, and leadership development opportunities.

The seven schools selected to participate in the Summer Bridge Program include Mason, Northern Virginia Community College, Sampson (NC) Community College, University of Connecticut at Stamford, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and Utah Valley University.

Topics

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Student Transition Empowerment Program STEP

Campus News

Building Hispanic Talent Initiative

Mason’s First-Gen+ Center helps students navigate the university experience

Colleen Rich — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:05:14 +0000

Mason’s First-Gen+ Center helps students navigate the university experience Colleen Rich Wed, 07/20/2022 - 10:05

First-Gen+ Center Assistant Director Nakia Waters works with Mason student Dung Ngo. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

��AV prides itself on its diversity and the number of first-generation college students it attracts. To help first-generation college students navigate a large university, Mason’s University Life created the First-Gen+ Center in 2021 to provide resources, mentoring and programming.

The First-Gen+ Center’s mission is to support students who are historically underrepresented in higher education and their allies, while specifically focusing on students who identify as first-generation, who identify as undocumented, have refugee status, or belong to families with limited income.

In 2020, about 26% of Mason students described themselves as first-generation college students. About 7,500 currently enrolled Mason students are connected to the First-Gen Center.

“We take seriously our role in helping students who might not otherwise have the chance [to] pursue their higher education with success,” said Amber Holton-Thomas, director of the center. “The University Life vision is that ‘every student succeeds,’ and one big way our office helps is by demystifying the university process.”

Housed in Student Union Building I on the Fairfax Campus, The First-Gen+ Center can trace its roots to the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), which began in 1990 as the Summer Transition Program. Back in person this summer for the first time since the pandemic, STEP was Mason’s first effort to help first-generation college students get acclimated to the college experience by providing academic preparation, career exploration, and empowerment activities the summer before beginning college. STEP joined University Life in 2005.

As Mason administrators determined how best to leverage the university resources, the First-Gen+ Center, which is, was created in 2021.

President Gregory Washington has emphasized the importance to Mason of its first-generation students.

“We've always prided ourselves on putting students first, and they have truly shown us what they are made of,” Washington told an audience in EagleBank Arena during his investiture address. “Most of our students hail from historically disenfranchised communities—three out of 10 are first-generation. They have a vision for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities, and they are not strangers to adversity, occasional rejection, and hard work.”

In addition to organizing STEP, the First-Gen+ Center, which is housed in Student Union Building I on the Fairfax Campus, facilitates scholarships, offers one-on-one discussion sessions, oversees a mentoring program, creates programming for First-Gen Week, coordinates training related to undocumented students, hosts community building events and sends out a weekly newsletter to students on the mailing list.

The center has both professional and student staff; the latter work in the office or volunteer as mentors and tend to be first-generation college students themselves, intent on giving back, said Holton-Thomas.

Oliver Yu, a first-generation college student and Mason junior majoring in computational and data sciences, agreed.

“The students that work within the First-Gen+ Center are passionate in their roles and look for ways to best utilize them to help others,” said Yu, who worked for the center as a research assistant.

Mason’s definition of a first-generation college student includes someone whose parent or legal guardian(s) did not receive or complete post-secondary education, or who received a two-year degree or earned any level of post-secondary school outside the United States.

“Sometimes we have Mason students come up to us and realize that they are also first-generation college students because of how we define it,” Holton-Thomas said. “Just because, for example, someone’s parents got an advanced degree outside the U.S. doesn’t mean they understand or have experience with navigating the U.S. college system, so we are here to help.”

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Spirit Fall 22

Mason's Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic celebrates 26 years

Colleen Rich — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 17:07:03 +0000

Mason's Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic celebrates 26 years Colleen Rich Fri, 06/24/2022 - 13:07

More than 120 golfers teed off on June 13 at University Life’s Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic. Held at the Westfields Golf Club, the annual event supports student scholarships in ��AV’s Early Identification Program (EIP) and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP).

EIP students helped out with the event. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

Since the tournament debuted in 1995, it has raised more than $800,000 to support scholarships and aid for first-generation college students, and more than 250 scholarships have been awarded.

Sandy Spring Bank, the tournament’s title sponsor for 12 years, and a dedicated group of University Life Advisory Board members and friends work tirelessly to make the event a success each year to benefit Mason students.

“We are grateful for the team that plans and organizes the golf classic,” says Alissa Karton, assistant to the vice president for University Life. “They have close community and business ties, which brings back a loyal group of sponsors and participants every year.”

Founded in 1987, EIP supports the academic, career, and personal development of first-generation college-bound students. Each year EIP accepts a new class of approximately 170 rising eighth graders from seven school districts in Northern Virginia. During students’ time in EIP, they receive year-round, multi-year supports such as mentoring, tutoring, STEM enrichment, and a plethora of other programs designed to aid in their academic and personal success, preparation for college, and career readiness.

More than 120 golfers participated in this year's tournament, Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

Students “graduate” from the program after their senior year in high school and if they meet Mason’s admission requirements are automatically accepted into Mason. With its 2022 class, EIP saw 96% of 112 high school graduates enroll in college. More than 200 EIP alumni currently attend Mason, many of whom receive scholarships and book awards funded by the Golf Classic.

STEP was started in 1990 to help underrepresented Virginia residents complete college. Each year, the program hosts 30-50 incoming Mason students, who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. For six weeks during its summer program, the students live on campus, take courses together, and receive mentorship support.

EIP Director Davis introduces EIP student Brenda Leverson who spoke at the Golf Classic luncheon. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

Students who complete the summer program become STEP Scholars. These scholars have a higher retention rate than the general Mason student body, are highly engaged in the campus community, and serve as mentors for future STEP participants. Many STEP scholars receive scholarships funded by the golf tournament during their time at Mason, giving them added support to stay in school and graduate on time.

“The Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic is a perfect example of a community coming together for a common goal—to ensure first-generation college students can achieve their dream of going to college,” said Kaitlin Cicchetti, director of advancement for University Life.

She added, “To know that this event has been happening for 26 years, and that many of our players and sponsors have been supporting us since day one, it makes what we’ve achieved together even more special.”

Topics

Campus News

Scholarships

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Student Transition Empowerment Program STEP

University Life

Mason celebrates first-generation students

Colleen Rich — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:54:50 +0000

Mason celebrates first-generation students Colleen Rich Thu, 11/04/2021 - 14:54

In recognition of the National First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, ��AV celebrates the successes of its first-generation students and alumni.

Mason's First-Gen+ Center is hosting First Gen Week with virtual and in-person events and activities for students.

First-generation students are a big part of Mason’s community. Nearly 40% of Mason students identify as being the first in their families to attain a college degree. Of those, 33% are eligible for federal need-based Pell Grants, which is greater than the Virginia average.

Mason’s Early Identification Program, which provides access to educational resources for middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend a college or university, boasts more than 1,600 graduates and has 600 students currently enrolled at Mason.

When President Gregory Washington highlighted students during his Investiture address, he spoke about first-gen students in particular.

“We've always prided ourselves on putting students first, and they have truly shown us what they are made of,” Washington told an audience in EagleBank Arena. “Most of our students hail from historically disenfranchised communities—three out of 10 are first-generation. They have a vision for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities, and they are not strangers to adversity, occasional rejection, and hard work.”

Earlier this semester we asked Mason Nation on social media to share their first-generation stories, and they did.

Carter School graduate student Isidore Nsengiyumva, who is attending Mason online from Kenya, said the National First-Generation College Celebration serves a great reminder for him of everyone who has supported and sacrificed for him to get where he is today.

“It is also a good time for reflection on how far I have come and what it took for me to get here,” Nsengiyumva said. Read more about him here.

Many students and alumni talked about the importance of the Mason centers and resources in helping them feel like part of the community.

Mason alum Kareema Smith credits the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) for having a huge impact of her academic life. She said she heard about the program at an admitted student event before she started at Mason.

“Thanks to STEP I was able to enter college with other first-generation students the summer before our first year began where we learned so much and established TRUE community,” said Smith, who earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in psychology from Mason. “At 18 years old, that program gave me the tools and confidence to become a leader on campus, to truly care more about the humanity of others and to think critically while challenging myself and my ideals.”

And Smith continues to pay it forward. From 2016 to 2019, Smith was the director of student success at Mason’s Honors College. She is now a career counselor at Auburn University, where she is pursuing a PhD in counseling psychology.

For alum Bianca Alba, who graduated with a BS in community health and a master of public health degree, Mason’s Early Identification Program was a portal of opportunity.

“Also, getting involved with my Latina sorority, Chi Upsilon Sigma, opened up network opportunities and provided me with women role models who had their life and careers set,” she said.

We also asked our first-gen students and alumni if they had advice for other first-gens.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself!” said Alba, who now works as a public health analyst Health Resources and Services Administration. “It is okay to fail, but just because you fail a class doesn’t make you a failure. I had to learn the hard way. Surround yourself with like-minded people, and remember self-care is also important.”

“Don't forget where you come from, be humble, and don't forget to thank those who helped you attend college,” advised Mason alum Thomas Oh, who has a bachelor’s in criminology, law and society and an MBA from Mason. “You can thank them by making sure you graduate and be the positive change that we need in our society. Lastly, don't forget to make lifelong friends. Together we can make our network stronger.”

Topics

Students

first-generation

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Student Transition Empowerment Program STEP

Student Transition Empowerment Program STEP

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years

Learn more about the Early Identification Program (EIP)

Learn more about STEP

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