WINSTED, CT– October 8, 2021 – Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) is proud to announce the introduction of Peer2Peer, a peer mentoring program designed to support new students throughout their first year of college. On September 28, 2021, NCCC launched the program, matching 7 peer mentors with 21 first-semester students as a kick-off of the year-long pilot program.

The program is generously supported by the Northwestern Community College Foundation, the Team Success Scholars Program (funded by the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board and Northwest Community Bank of Winsted), and the Greenwood Scholarship Foundation.

The Peer2Peer program is an important component of the college’s strategic goals around student access, success and equity, and is designed to reach students in their first year at Northwestern.  It is part of a suite of initiatives developed through Northwestern’s engagement with Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national network of more than 220 colleges in 43 states dedicated to improving outcomes by providing each student the tools they need for success in college.

Replicating the successes of NCCC’s flagship program Team Success Scholars (TSS), Peer2Peer seeks to replicate key elements of the TSS program through focused peer-to-peer mentoring, matching second year (or alumni) students with students who are just starting their college experience. Trained peer mentors meet with mentees on a weekly basis, guiding students to connect with campus and community support services, facilitating self-advocacy in their education, and helping students to overcome barriers to success.  All peer mentors are current participants, or alumni of the TSS program, having themselves been mentored within the program, and now wanting to “give back” to the college that supported them.

“We are very excited to launch this student success program at NCCC, connecting student-to-student while offering a reciprocity of learning for both the mentor and the mentee,” said Susan Dichter, Program Coordinator of Peer2Peer.

Below are the peer mentors for 2021-2022.

Peer Mentors:

1. Madeline Boutot, A.S. Nursing, NCCC, May ‘22
2. Lena Neri, A.S. Liberal Arts & Science, NCCC May ‘22
3. Isabella Jacobs, A.S. Liberal Arts & Science, NCCC May ‘22
4. Cristina Peguero, A.S. Medical Assisting, NCCC May 21
5. Jess Tessman, B.S. Social Work, CCSU May ‘19
6. Eddie Martinez, M.S. Social Work, UCONN May ‘20
7. Lisselot Rodriguez, M.S. Social Work, UCONN May ‘20

The Northwestern Community College Foundation (NCCF) was incorporated in 1981 to support the mission of Northwestern Connecticut Community College and provide higher education support to students who are interested in pursuing post-secondary study.

The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB) seeks to develop and sustain an effective labor market system that facilitates economic development and business growth in our region. WIOA youth funds are targeted for young people who are out of school to assist them in their career and educational development. These funds are allocated to the states by the US Department of Labor.

Northwest Community Bank is a mutually owned state-chartered bank, headquartered in Winsted, Connecticut since 1860. In addition to Winsted’s Main Office, the bank has branches in Avon, Granby, New Hartford, and Torrington; and an academic branch at Northwestern Regional #7 High School in Winsted.

The Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation, incorporated in 1975 and serving the towns of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, Norfolk and Winsted, awards scholarships and assistance to students on the basis of financial need, academic achievement and personal potential.

For more information please contact Susan Dichter sdichter@nwcc.edu,  Program Coordinator for Peer2Peer, or Peer Coaches Jessie DePonte jdeponte@nwcc.edu and Jane O’Grady jogrady@nwcc.edu.