(L to r): FAM for Change's William Quiles, Angel Gonzalez, Program Manager Kenny Monteiro, and Manuel Pires

FAM for Change Celebrates a Great Start

Posted on December 18, 2008 - Permalink
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Participants of BSC's Friends and Mentors for Change program were joined by family members and college employees in the Campus Center last Friday to celebrate the completion of the program's introductory semester.

The event, a dinner held in the Council Chambers, was hosted by the Office of College and Community Partnerships.

FAM for Change, developed by President Dana Mohler-Faria, pairs BSC undergraduates with Brockton High freshmen to help the latter group stay in school and excel in their studies. The Brockton students who successfully complete the program, graduate high school and meet the requirements for entrance into BSC will get to attend the college free of charge.

During the past semester, the mentors and mentees spent every Friday on campus and at Brockton High School engaging in educational and social activities. The BSC students also served as tutors and role models, aiming to inspire their mentees to attend college.

Kenny Monteiro, FAM for Change's program manager, said the dinner marked the culmination of a semester of hard work put forth by all and provided a relaxed atmosphere for the more than 100 attendees to interact.

"It's been an intense semester," he said, "and this is time for them to wind down."

All the hard work seems to have paid off. Mr. Monteiro said since the mentoring began a number of Brockton High students have made honor roll, maintained perfect attendance and were placed in advanced courses. Their overall conduct has improved, as well, he said.

"With help from Bridgewater mentors, the students are being set on the right path," he said.

Mentors have also observed benefits from the program. Maria Suigos, a junior, mentored two students this semester and said both appear eager to enroll in college.

Cynthia Guavara, a junior and mentor-in-training who assisted Ms. Suigos, agreed.

"They're always so excited to come to campus," she said.

Brockton High School student Nichole Corriera said her semester with mentor Bria Wilbur, '09, went well, as she received academic assistance and was introduced to the college atmosphere. Just hanging out and talking with her mentor was helpful as well, she said.

Mr. Monteiro said he was grateful to all those who offered financial and personal support including the mentors, mentees and their families, and BSC faculty, staff and administrators.

"At each level, the commitment and passion to help the kids is superior," he said. (Story and photos by Rob Matheson, Office of Institutional Communications)