“With the PTD program. I experienced firsthand how meaningful this initiative is in bridging the diversity gap in higher education and more specifically the diversity gap in our future educators. We were able to turn the dream of going to college into a reality for one of our well-deserving, first generation students. And this is what it’s all about!”

Deb Monterio, Milford Public Schools, MA

Cultivating Connections

Lasell students who serve as mentors in the PTD program intuitively grasp the value of their role with high school students. Prior to college, many mentors had few if any diverse teachers, i.e., educators they could relate to more meaningfully.

Based on their own experiences in high school, mentors quickly establish credibility and connections with their students. Their comments attest to the personal benefits of being a mentor:

“I want them to know that I was in their shoes, and that they don’t have to be afraid.”

“Their backgrounds do not have to define what they do in the future.”

“I feel I’m already closer to changing a student’s life!”

A Rewarding Family Experience

Parents have seen the benefits of PTD in their children.

“[My daughter] received a lot of support from the program and its mentors,” says a parent. “It’s rewarding. She feels a part of something bigger than herself. She loves mentoring the students and creating those relationships. She is passionate about helping those in need.”

Building On-Campus Diversity

At Lasell, the PTD program has also led to a more diverse community of pre-service teachers. While encountering a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and languages, they share a common commitment to giving back to their community schools. They learn from their fellow mentors and help each other navigate their own college experiences. As they support themselves and high school students who are considering careers in education, PTD mentors also foster relationships that will last a lifetime.