Six years ago, the strategic focus for our pilot was narrow: get students to begin exploring career-related programs earlier in their undergraduate lives. We loosely modeled the early format of this program on a proposal from an alumnus, combined with the format of an existing program run by Colgate. Five years in, we have abandoned both models and evolved our program to uniquely fit our needs, while also embracing fully the aims of the college’s Engaged Pluralism Initiative. Our strategy widens the circle each year, by only allowing one-third of the prior year’s mentors to return again. We believe this offers a replicable, best-in-class program that provides our singularly most meaningful volunteer engagement experience.
From the Judges
Vassar’s program soared above all the other career mentoring programs. The team put tremendous time and energy into rethinking their program, measuring their results, and focusing on college sophomores, rather than trying to be all things to all people. Judges were extremely impressed with their personal outreach to alumni participants, committing themselves to finding new alumni volunteers every year. They also have done an outstanding job evaluating their program and continually improving it. Vassar sophomores are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity.
