Encouraging & Mentoring Peers On Work & Education Readiness

EMPOWER is a college preparation initiative created by the Middlesex County College New Brunswick Center that focuses on Latino youth from New Brunswick. It is supported by college student volunteers from Middlesex County College Democracy House/Bonner Foundation and the Rutgers University Bonner Foundation and CESEP program (Civic Engagement and Service Education Partnerships Program), leaders from local community organizations, and community minded business representatives.  The EMPOWER program is guided by a professional master tutor and college professionals.

The EMPOWER program gives preference to high school Latino students formerly involved with EMPOWER who are entering their  senior year in high school, are first generation college students (the first in their immediate family to enter college) and who demonstrate financial need. Participation is totally voluntary and a student can withdraw in writing at any time. However, ONLY students who complete the program satisfactorily may apply for any EMPOWER program scholarships.

EMPOWER Participant Requirements:

• Participants must remain in good academic standing at the high school
• Participants must complete a program application and obtain parental consent if under 18 yrs.
• Participants must abide by the behavioral requirements in the release
• Participants must actively attend scheduled tutoring sessions, a minimum of six (6) hours per week. Attendance is recorded and monitored.
• Participant must volunteer in the community (minimum of 25 hours per semester) to meet the volunteer criteria for any established EMPOWER Scholarship. *

Program Goals:

• Improve current academic performance through ongoing tutoring
• Identify career goals and the necessary steps to achieve those goals
• Develop familiarity with college resources
• Search and apply for educational scholarships; learn to write a personal essay
• Participate in professional mentoring
• Develop a resume/portfolio

Tutoring/Mentoring will take place at Middlesex County College, New Brunswick Center. EMPOWER students are responsible for transportation arrangements to and from the college. election and confirmation of students for the EMPOWER 2012 -2013 program will be made by mid AUGUST 2012. The program starts on Monday, September 24, 2012. Space is limited to 20 students.  

Questions may be directed to Evelyn Rosa, Director, MCC New Brunswick Center at 732 745-8866, ext. 119.

EMPOWER Scholarship Fund Information

EMPOWER Scholarship Fund Recipients 2011–2012