The R.I.S.E. Network (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) is a multicultural program designed to provide students with individualized mentorship and guidance. With an emphasis on reaching first-year students who may need help adjusting to the academic and social demands of college, the R.I.S.E. Network promotes leadership skills, goal setting, financial literacy, character-building and career skills. Our approach is student-centered, focusing on the unique needs of each Network Scholar through mentoring relationships with peer mentors.
Students will be paired with network leaders who are passionate about bridging the gap that often exists within the first year of college. In this program, students will build strong relationships with their mentor, gain networking opportunities, get connected to valuable resources, and cultivate a set of skills needed for a successful St. John’s University experience.
Each mentorship pairing is selected intentionally to help each of the programs’ participants succeed. Students will engage in one-on-one conversations, large group outings, and socials with their mentor and other mentee-mentor pairings. This program is your ticket to building community and getting connected to what’s happening within our campus community and beyond.
Six Pillars of R.I.S.E.
- Connectivity
- Academic Success
- Personal Enrichment
- Career Preparation
- Spiritual Enrichment
- Access
Program Benefits
- Learn new skills from an experienced, high-achieving student leader
- Network with influential faculty, administrators, and alumni to assist with career preparation
- Participate in engaging and empowering workshops geared toward academic and personal goals
- Gain access to the R.I.S.E. Network study room and library of first-year textbooks
The Net (Staff and Faculty)
We are excited to inform you about our First-Year Mentoring program, which includes The Net, our unique professional network. This group comprises key administrators, faculty, and staff dedicated to assisting scholars with their academic concerns and questions. Your expertise and insights would be invaluable to our community. Become a partner of The Net here.
Scholars (Mentees)
First-year students who are interested in becoming scholars need to complete an online R.I.S.E. Network Scholar Application and maintain a level of personal commitment to the program, which includes active participation in workshops, study sessions, social events, and Network Leader meetings. Click for the Scholar (Mentee) Application.
Network Leaders (Mentors)
Network Leaders are primarily upperclassmen who have an interest in leadership and a passion to help incoming students navigate the college experience. This is accomplished through leadership development, informal advisement, group meetings, and a consistent use of resources and programs at St. John’s University. Recruitment of Network Leaders begins in October for the following academic year. Contact the Office of Student Development for more information. Click for the Network Leader (Mentor) Application.
Network Leaders
- Build a student’s character development by encouraging work ethic, trustworthiness, kindness, responsibility, etc.
- Assist with homework assignments and research papers, and improve academic skills
- Participate in activities of interest to the scholar
- Help set career goals and develop resumes
- Develop critical problem-solving skills
- Encourage social development
About the R.I.S.E. Network
The R.I.S.E. Network (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) began as an initiative under Student Development and the Division of Student Affairs. The goal was to create an environment where successful, high-potential students come together to assist in increasing retention and graduation rates at St. John's University. The program has grown from 54 scholars (freshmen mentees) in our first cohort back in 2013 to now receiving nearly 300 or more applications from scholars.
This program is grounded in the belief that mentoring is a valuable strategy to provide students with the emotional and instrumental support students need to achieve the goal of a college degree. By providing information, guidance, and encouragement, mentors can play an important role in nurturing students’ college aspirations, connecting them to campus resources and, advising them on how to make successful transitions from high school to their first year on campus (Levine and Nidiffer 1996).
Participants, better known as R.I.S.E. scholars, are part of a network that will assist in their academic success and personal and professional development. The network will focus on the successful completion of their first year by assisting with academics, career preparation, spiritual development, and social integration by establishing connections with the relevant support services at St. John's University.
Our goal remains to ensure that scholars are intentionally connected to people, services, and organizations to support their development and also empower them to be an integral part of the St. John's University community.
Office Information
D’Angelo Center, Room 213
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Amber Wilson
Director of First-Year Mentoring
718-990-5383
[email protected]
Ulises Garcia Jr., M.A.
Assistant Director of First-Year Mentoring
718-990-5269
[email protected]
First Gen
A Letter from the Assistant Director of First-Year Mentoring
Dear St. John’s University Community,
As you begin your academic journey with us, the Office of First-Year Mentoring Programs wants to extend a special message of support and encouragement, especially if you are the first in your family to make it this far. There are parts of this college process that you have had to do completely on your own. You will continue to experience many “firsts” in your college journey (and beyond) b,ut you do not have to do it alone anymore.
What does it mean to be First-Generation?
A first-generation college student is generally defined as someone who is the first in their immediate family to attend college and/or whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree in the United States.
Reaching this educational milestone is not only a culmination of your personal determination and courageous leaps but a testament to the sacrifices of those who came before you and a semblance of hope for those set to come after you.
We recognize that this sense of responsibility can feel overwhelming at times, and we want you to know you do not have to carry that weight alone.
Our Promise to You
The first-generation experience is exciting, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. We are committed to honoring your narrative and lifting you up every step of the way. We cement our promise with this poem and video.
Your First-Generation Campus Community
You are now part of St. John’s and there is a community of first-generation staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni that are ready to pour into you! We encourage you reach out and connect with these amazing individuals.
Join Us
You may be the first in your family to pursue higher education, but we cannot stress enough that you do not have to do this alone. We encourage you to lean on your peers, staff and faculty, and alumni who are eager to support you through your collegiate journey.
How to connect with the first-generation community?
Join us for First Gen Week, taking place November 3-7, 2026:
- Monday, November 3
- Tuesday, November 4
- Wednesday, November 5
- Thursday, November 6
- Friday, November 7
- Saturday, November 8
Form part of our First Gen Fellowship (FGF) Program and engage in monthly programming. This year’s trainings will convene around A First Gen Memoir by Alejandra Campoverdi.
- September
- October
- November
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
You belong here. Your determination and perspective are incredibly valuable, and we are committed to helping you thrive academically, socially, and personally.
If you have any questions, I invite you to reach out to me directly at [email protected].
Cheers,
Ulises Garcia, Jr.
Assistant Director, First-Year Mentoring