Mentor a first-generation college student

The Efrosini Demoulas Scholars Program (edscholars.org) offers four-year scholarships and mentoring support to students from select counties in eastern Massachusetts with financial need.

The program’s mission is to remove barriers to success for talented and hardworking students to help them achieve their academic potential in college and prepare for rewarding careers & long-term success.

Our program provides targeted, flexible, and individualized financial & social supports that help students excel academically, dream and plan for meaningful careers, and develop the skills to secure long-term financial independence.

Our Mentoring Model

Beginning their freshman year of college, scholars are matched with a mentor who serves as a resource and sounding board as they navigate academic and personal challenges. Together, mentors and scholars can work on planning and exploring the possibilities for the scholars’ future, and mentors can offer guidance and support as scholars prepare to enter the workforce. We ask that mentors make a minimum two-year commitment to the program (many of our matches last 4+ years!).

Matches communicate regularly and are expected to meet at least once per month during the school year. The majority of our matches elect to meet virtually, however there are opportunities for in-person connection.

Our Need

We are currently recruiting mentors for the 2025-2026 school year

Mentor Role

• Take the lead in supporting a mentee through an ongoing relationship
• Use their life/work experience to serve as a sounding board, resource, guiding light and kind soul to share the ups and downs of college life
• Be available to acknowledge and celebrate successes; both large and small accomplishments
• Help to set and achieve goals
• Help your mentee build their social capital
• Serve as a listening ear
• Strive for mutual respect

Participation Requirements

• Have at least 2-3 years professional experience
• Be interested in supporting first generation college students
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting with scholars and supporting them
• Attend required mentor training sessions
• Be based in North America, preferably within Eastern Time Zone
• Be expected to communicate with One Four Three Four Foundation Staff to keep them informed on how scholars are navigating their journey and provide helpful information to help the Foundation develop additional services

Desirable Qualities

• Willing listener
• Encouraging and supportive
• Patient and flexible
• Affirming and respectful of diverse individual differences

Benefits

• Personal fulfillment through contribution to the next generation of leaders
• Make a lasting difference in a young person's life
• Enhance your leadership and communication skills
• Expand your professional network
• Participation in group activities with other mentors and scholars
• Being a part of a mutual respectful relationship

Application and Screening Process

• Personal interview
• Background check