Alexander-Joseph Silva, 18, said the program has helped him navigate not only the college process, but the process of coming out as transgender.American Express and a nonprofit called Strive for College have helped more than 4,000 students navigate the complicated college admissions and financial aid process through their program UStrive.
American Express global president Doug Buckminster says mentorship programs are a key part of addressing inequality. Alexander-Joseph Silva, 18, is a freshman studying computer science at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. His freshman year has been great so far. He's enjoying his classes and making new friends. On top of that, he's proud to have secured more than $30,000 in scholarships.
Mentorship programs like UStrive provide young people access to social capital they might not normally have access to. Whether it's career or financial advice, industry expertise, or connections in a field, or just someone to offer guidance, mentors can give mentees a range of positive benefits. On a macro level, they cut through social circles and networks to give people from under-served backgrounds access to valuable resources.
The program has made a real difference for these students, according to Michael Carter, Strive for College founder and CEO.
Great initiative!!!