iMentor Expands Its Support for First-Generation Students as the New School Year Begins

iMentor Broadens Its Reach in Educational Support

As the new academic year kicks off, iMentor, a national mentoring program with a 25-plus year legacy, is on a mission to enhance its support for first-generation students navigating the educational landscape. This initiative is crucial as many students return to school amid uncertain times, particularly for those entering college from underserved communities, facing even greater challenges due to diminishing federal and state educational funding.

In response, iMentor is expanding its partnerships with organizations like The City University of New York (CUNY) and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), as well as newly collaborating with its first independent school, Cathedral High School in Boston. This broadening of its reach allows iMentor to tap into new networks, ensuring students not only have access to mentoring but also a sense of belonging within these academic institutions.

Dr. Heather D. Wathington, iMentor’s Executive Director, emphasizes the urgency of this work, stating, "As student support systems erode, long-term mentoring stands out as one of the most effective ways to help students feel seen, supported, and empowered for success." This sentiment is particularly reflective of the program’s philosophy that considers mentoring not just a program, but a movement advocating for a more equitable future.

Strengthening Career Pathways for College Students

In the fall of 2024, iMentor partnered with CUNY, the largest urban public university in the United States, to roll out a professional development mentoring program. This initiative emphasizes the importance of cultivating meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that foster student belonging and enhance career readiness in fields like finance, accounting, and technology. Through the Black Male Initiative at CUNY’s York, Baruch, and Lehman Colleges, iMentor places a spotlight on professional mentoring and internship access created in collaboration with industry-focused groups such as the National Association of Black Accountants.

At LaGuardia Community College, iMentor assists students transitioning from workforce certifications and GEDs to degree-related programs. The spring of 2025 saw the establishment of two dozen mentoring relationships, offering essential support to adult learners embarking on their first credit-bearing courses. Baruch College, known for its business programs, reflects on the importance of linking high-potential, diverse students with long-standing industry partners like IBM, EY, and Morgan Stanley.

Dr. Jonathan Quash of CUNY’s Black Male Initiative recognizes iMentor as a pivotal partner in aiding students to connect with their careers and navigate their educational paths, saying, "In just one semester, iMentor has proven to be a key ally in helping our students feel connected and ready for what’s next."

Community Engagement and Lifting Social Mobility

Research shows that social mobility can transform not just individual lives but entire communities, underscoring the importance of initiatives like iMentor. Students from the 2023 cohort have persisted into their third semester of college at rates higher than their peers, a testament to the program's long-term impact. As iMentor aims to reach 9,000 students across ten states by the 2025-26 school year, its partnerships with local community organizations continue to play a vital role in providing lasting support beyond high school graduation.

BBBS Lone Star, a longtime collaborator, exemplifies this impact as it operates in 17 Texas cities, including Houston and Dallas, with plans for further expansion. Michael O'Teter, from BBBS, shares his appreciation for iMentor, emphasizing that their joint efforts help bridge persistent opportunity gaps and create robust social networks for students.

Call for Collaboration: Supporting First-Generation Talent

Since its inception in 1999, iMentor has successfully served over 45,000 students, making strides in cities like New York, Chicago, and Baltimore, while supporting 23 partner programs nationwide. In a rapidly changing educational landscape, iMentor actively seeks partnerships with universities, employers, and nonprofits to further its mission. By leveraging a proprietary platform and proven mentoring model, partners can gain access to comprehensive tools for training, engagement, reporting, and executing mentoring programs.

To learn more about partnership opportunities with iMentor, please contact Nariman Heikal, Director of Partnerships & Business Development, at [email protected]. Follow iMentor on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates and insights into their impactful work.