March 12, 2025
As the first class of Meeting Street Scholarship Fund recipients prepares to graduate in May, the Scholarship is launching a new initiative to help them transition from college to career.
The Scholarship will pilot a partnership with UStrive, a nonprofit that helps under-resourced students realize their career goals by matching them with a volunteer mentor. Any Scholarship recipient who is projected to graduate in May will have the opportunity to participate in UStrive’s program and find a mentor, potentially in their career field of interest.
“We are more than a Scholarship,” said John Huber-MacNealy, managing director of the Meeting Street Scholarship. “We want our students to achieve success in college that translates into full-time employment with little to no debt. We hope the connections students make through UStrive will be impactful and offer meaningful guidance.”
UStrive mentors are established professionals in a variety of industries who will provide personalized career guidance, industry insights and networking opportunities to support students as they take their next steps after graduation.
UStrive’s mentoring program has demonstrated strong outcomes. On average, 90 percent of students who receive college access mentoring through UStrive enroll in college. Additionally, UStrive has a history of serving diverse student populations with a specific focus on historically underserved communities.
One student mentored through UStrive shared that the experience was instrumental in realizing a dream of becoming a software programmer.
“In essence, my mentor’s assistance through UStrive was not just about providing guidance on academic matters but also about nurturing personal growth and development,” the student said. “Their support has been transformative, empowering me to pursue my dreams with conviction and make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.”
The Scholarship plans to gather students’ feedback on the program and decide on a path forward for career mentors for subsequent recipient cohorts.
“Landing that first job can be a stressful challenge, and we want to equip our graduates with the resources and support they need to succeed,” Huber-MacNealy said. “We hope this partnership will empower our recipients with more tools, connections and confidence to kick off their careers.”
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