Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring Awarded Grant to Develop SSI
Boston, MA—December 22, 2024—Dr. Jean Rhodes, the Director of the UMass Boston Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring and co-founder of MentorPRO, has received a $435,000 grant from an anonymous foundation to develop and evaluate a groundbreaking social capital intervention for college students. The project aims to address disparities in college success by creating an accessible, evidence-based online program that empowers marginalized students to build critical networks of support.
At the heart of this initiative is the development of a single-session online intervention, Connected Futures SSI, developed in collaboration with former students and postdocs to help students from low-income, first-generation, and racial and ethnic minority backgrounds cultivate relationships with university faculty, staff, and peers. By fostering these connections, the intervention aims to enhance academic outcomes, increase retention rates, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals.
“Social capital is one of the strongest predictors of student success, yet too many college students from historically marginalized communities face barriers to building these vital connections,” said Dr. Rhodes. “This grant allows us to create a scalable, accessible intervention to help students develop the networks they need to thrive in college and beyond.”
Evidence-Based Design with Proven Results
The Connected Futures SSI will build on the success of earlier versions of the intervention, which have demonstrated significant improvements in students’ grades, retention, and help-seeking behaviors. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a multi-session version of the program showed that participants were nearly three times as likely to graduate in four years compared to their peers.
The new single-session format, designed for maximum accessibility and scalability, will integrate best practices in online learning and behavioral science. Through an engaging 15- to 30-minute session, students will develop strategies to identify and recruit mentors, overcome help-seeking barriers, and expand their social networks.
Aligned with UMass Boston’s MissionThe initiative aligns closely with UMass Boston’s mission to promote equity and social justice. As one of the most diverse universities in the United States, UMass Boston serves a student body where 56% are first-generation college students and over half receive federal Pell Grants. This project will further the university’s strategic goals by addressing the unique challenges faced by its students and providing targeted support to improve retention and graduation rates【8†source】.
Collaboration and Dissemination
The intervention will be rigorously tested through an RCT involving incoming UMass Boston students in the 2025-2026 academic year. Results will be shared widely to ensure the program’s adoption across the UMass system, community colleges, and beyond. The intervention will also be made available through MentorPRO, allowing universities and nonprofit organizations nationwide to access this innovative tool for free.
“This project exemplifies the power of evidence-based innovation to create meaningful change,” said Dr. Rhodes. “We are excited to contribute to a more equitable future for higher education.”
For more information or interview requests, please contact Ania Sanchez at moc.orprotnem@zehcnas.aina
About MentorPRO
MentorPRO is a cutting-edge platform that bridges the gap between research and practice, empowering mentoring programs to optimize relationships and outcomes. Grounded in evidence and designed for scalability, MentorPRO is transforming the mentoring landscape for students and organizations alike. Learn more at mentorpro.com.
About UMass Boston Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring
Founded in 2012, the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMass Boston is dedicated to advancing mentoring research and innovation to support young people, particularly those from marginalized communities. The Center’s work spans groundbreaking research, program evaluation, and the dissemination of best practices to create meaningful and lasting impact.
