Meritus Scholar Nestor Navidad, recipient of the 1997 Quintus Award, with his mentor and donor George Morris

The goals of the Connections program are to:

1. Help students succeed in their college studies
2. Provide counseling, information, and support
3. Provide academic and extracurricular opportunities that will enhance student achievement and personal growth
4. Deepen ties between students and their community through contact with supportive adults and peers

Counseling

Student counseling runs throughout the year and takes on many forms. The freshman class is required to attend a mandatory orientation introducing them to their fellow scholars as well as helping them understand the transition to college including time management, financial responsibilities, university resources, learning strategies and stress relief. In reviewing Meritus scholarship requirements, staff also strengthens relationships between donors and mentors, by providing training and strategies into interacting effectively with adults of a different heritage or socio-economic background. As the semester progresses, all students are encouraged to seek assistance with academic and personal issues. Special attention is given to monitoring student progress at this time. Finally, student events are planned during holiday breaks to give them the chance to again meet one another and share experiences. The Board is currently discussing how Meritus might create student seminars during the course of the year focusing specifically on financial planning, leadership development, and career strategies.

Mentoring

Meritus Connections includes a mentoring program that pairs community volunteers with Meritus Scholars. The Meritus mentor is available by email or phone during the academic year for advice or guidance and may have lunch or dinner with the Scholar during winter or summer breaks. The Scholar benefits by knowing the mentor is actively interested in and supportive of their college experience. Similarly, the mentor benefits from interacting with, helping, and often learning from the young student.

Meritus mentors can be donors, interested individuals who have worked with the organization in the past, older students or recent graduates. All make a four year commitment to their scholars. The program offers a certain degree of flexibility as all students' needs are different. Many students have prospered greatly in this program and have built lasting relationships.

Meritus is actively recruiting volunteers to become mentors in the Connections program. We are looking for individuals with the following qualifications:

1. Graduation from a four year college or university
2. Interest in supporting students by listening to their experiences, sharing your own experiences, and networking for information or opportunities for students when appropriate
3. Available to correspond regularly with students via email, telephone, and meet with them occasionally

We hope you will contact us to learn more about Meritus Connections, and that you will decide to join us in supporting these amazing Scholars as they achieve their educational goals.

Back to the Top