Professionals enlisted as student mentors
A philanthropic organisation has appointed 13 professionals to mentor recipients of its educational scholarship.
Centennial Bermuda Foundation said that the “inspiring individuals” will play a pivotal role as Centennial Success Coaches in fostering the success of the students during their first year of postsecondary education.
It said the initiative is particularly helpful for students facing unique challenges such as those who are the first in their families to attend university.
Centennial, in collaboration with PeerForward, an organisation that coaches young people in low-income communities, has launched the programme to ensure a smooth transition for students.
Tim Spicer, senior programme manager at PeerForward, said: "Adapting to new cultures, both emotionally and physically, is crucial for academic success.
“While Bermudians are adept at navigating new environments, studying abroad presents unique challenges.
“Our Success Coaches, trained in PeerForward College Mentor Leadership and equipped with personal experience, are perfectly positioned to guide students through the unfamiliar terrain of their first college year."
Centennial said that research has shown that students with mentor support have a 71 per cent higher two-year graduation rate and a 35 per cent higher retention rate from semester to semester compared to their peers without such support.
Kristin Alexander, vice-president, human resources and operations, Aeolus Capital Management
Krista Barnes, director of communications and sustainability, Liberty Group
Jon Beard, retired deputy head of Saltus Grammar School
Tanya Bhandari, executive coach, Untangled International
Aaryn Cimino, secondary school English teacher
Camille Creary, family preservation social worker, Department of Child and Family Services
Uneaka Daniels, English Language Arts teacher leader/reading specialist, Port Royal Primary School
Wesley Hall, Year 7 teacher and adviser, Purvis Primary School
Latisha Lister-Burgess, executive director, Employee Assistance Programme
Samantha Nearon, diagnostic technologist aide, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre
Tiffany Paynter, executive director, OutBermuda
Christa Schweizer, vice-president, legal counsel, Butterfield Bank
Tiffany Whitter, educational therapist, Sandys Secondary Middle School
Allison Towlson, managing director of Centennial Bermuda Foundation, added: “We are most grateful for the commitment and engagement of our inaugural cohort of Centennial Success Coaches.
“With this calibre of professional expertise and warm-hearted generosity, we are confident our students will have greater resources to succeed in their academic endeavours.”
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