“Your potential is our promise” is the statement that guides all that Berkeley College does. You’ll see it on TV commercials, billboards, banners in and around the school, and more. But nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in the 95-year-old institution’s approach to first-generation students.
Patricia Greer, JD, Provost at Berkeley College shared, “As a first-generation college student myself, I am very sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by students. At Berkeley College we make it a priority to provide services to support first-generation students. Berkeley College ensures that there are ample opportunities for first-gen students to engage with their faculty, become involved with experiential learning activities, and truly maximize available opportunities during their college experience.”
New initiatives focused on first-gen students
In collaboration with the FirstGen Forward foundation. Berkeley College has launched a new initiative to recognize, celebrate, and support first-generation students. The College’s First-Gen Initiative team holds events for first-generation college students to learn more about navigating aspects of college life and student support resources.
Most recently, the team hosted events for first-generation students, as well as faculty, staff, and allies, in honor of National FirstGen Student Day. One event was Celebrity FirstGen Student Trivia, during which participating Berkeley College community members learned about this new initiative while having fun and learning about well-known celebrities who were also first-generation college students. Additionally, the topic of first-generation students was also the focus of a recent installment of the weekly “Berkeley Insights” internal professional development workshops, which featured an interview with first-generation alumnus Edison Jaquez.
Moving forward, the team is looking into collaborating with faculty members in order to identify first-generation students who may benefit from working with student peer mentors in the Berkeley Connect Peer Mentor program. The team is also planning a series of lunch-and-learn sessions for first-generation students featuring topics identified by students, faculty, and staff.
Alumni recall their experiences
Jaquez, the first in his family to earn a college degree, is now a drug and alcohol counselor, the founder of B-Men, a motivational speaker, and author. His memoir, A Second Chance: Life Sessions Turned into Living Dreams, recounts his journey from the Dominican Republic to the housing projects of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was named Berkeley College Alumnus of the Year in 2016 and emphasizes that he made the right choice in attending Berkeley College. “The College gave me all the tools I needed to be successful in my career and life in general,” Jaquez said.
Evelyn’s story
Evelyn Alvarez saw the struggles of her parents, who came to the United States from Mexico. Her older siblings went straight to work after high school. And while the family had high hopes and expectations for Evelyn, they knew little of the college search, application, and financial aid processes.
Finding the right fit at Berkeley College
“I had researched colleges on my own and Berkeley College just felt right,” Alvarez said. “Everyone was very helpful. They explained everything to me and my mom, who still needed help with English. They helped us through the entire process.”
But that was just the beginning of the challenges Alvarez would face.
“I didn’t know what to expect, and I didn’t have any relatives to ask,” she explained. “I thought college would be just like high school. But my professors have been wonderful. When they’ve seen me struggle, they’ve offered one-on-one help until I understand better. They also referred me to the Center for Academic Success (CAS) for tutoring. My grades improved, and eventually I even had some free time.”
Making the most of her college experience
Having free time has allowed Alvarez to get more involved on campus. She worked part-time with Woodland Park Campus Operating Officer LaTysha Gaines, who noted that Alvarez “consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to quality customer service.” Gaines continued, “She approached every interaction with intention, sound judgment, and a focus on effective solutions. She embraced change positively and viewed every challenge as an opportunity to grow, making her a valued member of the team.”
She also found time to volunteer on campus. According to James Marshmon, Director, Student Development and Campus Life, Woodland Park and Woodbridge Campuses, “Evelyn has consistently demonstrated dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to the Berkeley College community. She has been a great supporter of the Office of Student Development and Campus Life by volunteering regularly at the Woodland Park Campus Food Pantry and actively engaging in civic, social, and educational programs. Evelyn proudly represented Berkeley College at the 2024 New Jersey Votes Campus Summit. Her contributions have made a meaningful impact, and she continues to exemplify the qualities of an engaged student.”
Preparing for the professional world
As she approaches graduation, Alvarez is also thankful for the opportunity to have participated in an internship and for the support she’s received from Career Services at Berkeley College. “Career Services has been so helpful,” she pointed out. “They help with preparing us for interviews and can even help with proper clothes to wear for an interview. It makes a big difference.”
Alvarez, a graphic design major, even hopes to develop and design a pamphlet to help first-generation students by explaining issues such as financial aid, tutoring, mental health counseling, and other important information. “I want other first-gen students to know that they will be noticed and heard, like the way Berkeley made me feel special. Berkeley College has been like a second family to me. They’ve helped me get over my initial shyness and helped me build my confidence.”
Paying it forward
When the day does come to walk across the graduation stage at Newark’s Prudential Center, Alvarez expects a flood of emotions. “I have accomplished something great—not just for myself, but for my family as well,” she beamed. “The hard work will have paid off, and my nieces and nephews will be able to benefit from my experience. I’ll be able to help them!”
For more information on Berkeley College New Jersey's approach, please visit their website here.
