FHS College Mentoring Program
|
The College Mentoring Program, also called "the Zorski Project," in honor of its creator, the late Jack Zorski, is a partnership between Falmouth VIPS and the Falmouth High School Guidance Department. Jack was a VIPS volunteer in the FHS guidance department after serving for many years as a high school guidance department head in New Jersey. Jack learned that, for many economically disadvantaged students, going to college was not only off their radar, they had no support for pursuing college or the steps that lead up to applying for college at home. He also found that getting these kids into college was not the hard part (in spite of all the learning curves involved): keeping them in college and on schedule for graduating in four years was even tougher. In his retirement, Jack developed the college mentoring program and brought it to Falmouth High School. The program involves close collaboration with the high school guidance staff who recommend students who show academic promise but lack financial resources for college. Two volunteers who have served as mentors for multiple students are now running the program: Eileen Miskell and Eric Turkington.
The Role of a Volunteer The role of the mentor is as follows: meet the student during his or her FHS Junior year to discuss career interests and goals and work in conjunction with the student's guidance counselor and college mentor program leader to come up with a plan that includes a couple of college visits (all within driving distance). The mentor will accompany the student on 1-2 college visits that are arranged by the program leader (schedules them, including a meeting with a college rep., sets up the tour, etc.). During the student's junior and senior years, the Mentors check in with the student periodically (generally monthly) to keep him/her motivated, discuss possible volunteer, internship, or jobs that might help prepare the student or at least generate some income for college. Once the student is in college, the mentor would be available by email or phone to check in with the student and provide advice on course selection (the majority of this would be done by the student's college advisor), help motivate and advocate for the student if he/she is having trouble with required courses, etc. The goal is to complete college in 4 years. The mentor could also help the student with summer or even semester internships if required or recommended by the college. The mentor would use his/her contacts in the field to help the student in this regard. |
The late Jack Zorski, creator of the FHS College Mentoring Program, at the ceremony for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation's "Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards." Jack was recognized for his commitment to the program and the students it serves. *Jack was a life-long Giants fan, just to be clear!
A recent field trip to Wheaton College for FHS Class of 2022 students and mentors provided an opportunity for Bobbie L., an FHS Class of 2021 grad who participated in the Zorski Project, to share her advice and show off her campus.
Students also toured Bridgewater State College where they also had the chance to talk with Zorski Project alumni Caroline and Kathleen D. (FHS Class of 2021) about their classes and experiences as college freshmen.
|
|
|
Each year, Falmouth VIPS sponsors a college visit day for Zorski Project students and their college mentors to see two campuses as a group. Past visits have included UMass Dartmouth, Stonehill College, Bridgewater State, Wheaton College, Nichols College, and Westfield State. Whenever possible, FHS alum who participated in the Zorski Project meet with the students before their official tour, providing a great opportunity for students to ask questions and hear from someone who went through the program.
|
FHS graduates who participated in the College Mentoring Program are now attending: Bentley University, Brandeis, Bridgewater State, Cape Cod Community College, Clark University, Endicott College, Fairleigh Dickinson, Fitchburg State, LaSalle University, Nichols College, Simmons College, Stonehill College, UMass Amherst, UMass Dartmouth, University of Rochester, Westfield State, Wheaton College, Worcester Polytech, and Worcester State,
|
|
To learn more about the FHS College Mentoring Program, view this YouTube video, created by Ryan Webber, Falmouth Educational Television Coordinator. The segment features the first mentor/mentee match, mentors, program coordinators, and administrators speaking to the value of this program. While a bit outdated, the video provides a great overview of the program. |
Interested in learning more about becoming a College Mentor?
Contact VIPS at (508) 548-1621, vips@falmouth.k12.ma.us
Contact VIPS at (508) 548-1621, vips@falmouth.k12.ma.us
