NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) – As incoming students navigate the challenges of independence, a new mentoring initiative aims to ease their transition into adulthood.

Launched in September 2024 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee (BBBSMT), the College Advancement Program (CAP) is designed to support first- and second-year students facing the obstacles of leaving home and establishing new social connections.

For students like freshman Jamiyah Richey, moving to college brings both excitement and anxiety.

“I hope to have someone who will be there for me when I need, someone to look up to,” she said.

CAP matches students with mentors based on shared interests, life experiences and professional aspirations.

Participants engage in weekly virtual check-ins and in-person meetings, as well as small group mentoring sessions throughout the semester. The program has already had 25 Tennessee State University (TSU) students and seven mentors participate in its first session.

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, students can participate in EmpowerU programs, which include micro-mentoring sessions open to all students in participating CAP schools.

These gatherings include shared meals, guest speakers, and small group discussions, fostering community and connection beyond CAP mentee-mentor relationships.

“It’s a huge transition from being technically an adult, but still being an adult with training wheels. The mentoring program helps students get their first couple of years under their belt with someone to talk to,” said Neysa Taylor, TSU alumna and mentor.

Richey, who is pursuing a degree in agricultural science with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, said she is grateful for the program.

“If you don’t have a huge support system, you’re going to have someone other than your family or school faculty to lean on,” she said.

Currently focused on TSU students, BBBSMT plans to expand the program to other colleges and universities in the near future.

The organization’s 2023-2024 report revealed they served 796 youth and made 175 new matches in Middle Tennessee this year. Remarkably, 97% of participants, referred to as “Littles,” maintained or improved their emotional regulation with the support of caring mentors.

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