College Persistence: Supporting Students Every Step of the Way

College Persistence

What are common challenges high school graduates discover in their first year of college life? Whether you are navigating college or training programs, Student Leadership Network’s College Persistence team is here to help you navigate college with confidence. “Our team supports CollegeBound Initiative high school graduates who are in college, especially in the CUNY system where many of our students are enrolled,” said Gabrielle Oliver, Manager of College Persistence. She noted that students value having relatable peer mentors and a mix of virtual and physical events to support them in accessing resources at their own pace. Check out some of the services and support we offer!

Lunch & Learn: Learning Redefined

One of our most popular offerings is our Lunch & Learn series, which supports academic and personal journeys year-round. Interactive virtual sessions cover a range of topics critical to student success that are aligned with milestones on college academic calendars, such as effective study habits to kick off the fall semester and financial aid renewals in the spring. Take our recent Sleep Hygiene workshop as a prime example.

Demystifying Sleep: More Than Just Advice
Sleep is crucial for academic performance, yet many students struggle with understanding healthy sleep habits. Have you ever pulled an “all-nighter” to study for an exam or complete a project, and hoped to catch up on sleep over the weekend? Our Sleep Hygiene Lunch & Learn session breaks down common myths in a fun “Myth or Fact” activity and provides practical, science-backed strategies for better rest.

*The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance, from Medicat*

The session was carefully designed through collaboration with staff experts, counselor insights, and feedback from student and alumni surveys. Students shared about the impact of these sessions:

I liked how it addressed a lot of bad habits that I do happen to have. It’s nice to have some tips as to how I can fix them. –Aboubakar, College Student

Attendees also loved the TED-Ed video about the effects of sleep deprivation. You can check it out here:

Watch the video: “What Staying Up All Night Does to Your Brain”

Beyond Virtual: In-Person Events and Peer Mentorship

While our virtual programs are robust, we also offer in-person opportunities designed to support your college transition. Our annual College Sendoff for high school seniors and Future Success Symposium for college students offer strategies and resources for supporting your academic, personal, and professional goals.

CollegeJourney, our peer mentorship program, connects first and second-year college students with experienced upper-level students. We match our high school alumni in CUNY schools with Peer Leaders and also support students in identifying peer resources on their own college campuses. Inside Higher Education research shows that the greatest influence on currently enrolled students is other students. From campus engagement to academic goals and career aspirations, peers provide valuable insights and model how to adapt to and thrive in college. Whether a student wants tips about campus social life, help with technical aspects of course selection, or simply needs someone to talk to, Peer Leaders are a great resource to seek out.

Pamela Jones, Director of College Persistence, shared: “With all of our programming, we’re not just offering services—we’re building a supportive ecosystem that empowers students to thrive academically and personally.”

Alumni and staff wearing college t-shirts gather for group photo

CollegeSendoff events prepare students for the transition to college

Two male alumni stand in front of their presentation for college students

Peer Leaders Almasur and Ryan host a “Relax and Reset” workshop to discuss strategies to prevent or address burnout

CollegeSendoff event, hosted at Fashion Institute for Technology, prepares students for the transition to college

College students create vision boards with cutouts from magazines

CollegeJourney vision board activities at the Relax and Reset workshop

Alumni panelists are seated at the front with screen showing "Summer Ignite: The Bridge to Your Future" with students seated in front of them

Future Success Symposium: Summer Ignite connects students with opportunities for travel abroad, internships, and career exploration

Students sit in half-circles in a college lecture hall, with text "College Send Off" projected on the screen

CollegeSendoff event in Buffalo prepares students for the transition to college

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for upcoming events hosted by the College Persistence team!

Resume Workshop with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), virtual – Thursday, March 13, 2025
College Sendoff for high school seniors, NYC – Thursday, May 29, 2025
College Sendoff for high school seniors, Buffalo – Thursday, June 5, 2025

Invitations are directly emailed to our high school alumni. Not sure if your high school was a CollegeBound Initiative partner or if these services are available to you? Contact us at alumni@studentleadershipnetwork.org.