FOCUS Mentorship Program

FOCUS is a structured mentorship program designed to offer first-year, first-generation undergraduate student mentees, especially those who identify as students of color, the opportunity to develop relationships with NYU alum, faculty, staff, and graduate student mentors who can serve as resources and/or advocates through establishing an ongoing mentoring relationship.

FOCUS mentors assist their mentees in building confidence, exploring interests and passion, and find community at NYU. By connecting students to the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs (CMEP) and other university resources, FOCUS helps mentees establish a foundation at NYU for their educational and personal success. Through facilitating deep engagement between and among the mentors and mentees, FOCUS enables mutual learning, reflection, and growth. Learn about the process and benefits and access the application for mentors and mentees below.   

FOCUS Aims To:

  • Support the first-year transition and success of first-generation college students, especially those who identify as students of color, including international and transfer students
  • Connect mentees to resources available at NYU
  • Assist students in developing positive connections with the broader NYU community
  • Create a support system for academic success and professional and social development

FOCUS Mentorship Benefits:

  • Meaningful personal and professional relationships
  • Opportunities to network, reflect, and share first-generation experiences
  • Opportunities to attend special events at NYU and throughout New York City (e.g. Broadway shows, The Schomburg, El Museo De Barrio, etc.)
  • Opportunities to participate in free events throughout New York City (past excursions have included visiting the Louis Armstrong House Museum and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens)
  • Special invitation to university-wide events hosted by the Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation (e.g., MLK Week, Solidarity Week, etc.)
  • Professional development workshops/opportunities and social activities on-and-off- campus
  • Consideration for the FOCUS Book Scholarship
  • CMEP Swag and other free giveaways

FOCUS Application Information

Learn About Becoming a Mentor
Learn About Becoming a Mentee

Mentee applications for the 2023–2024 academic year are now available! Apply by Mon, Sept 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Mentor applications for the 2023–2024 academic year are now closed! 

Please subscribe to the CMEP listserv for the most up-to-date information.

FOCUS Selection Process

Both mentors and mentees are selected through an application process. Although FOCUS can be a resource for career development, pairings are not solely based on career interests. Instead, the FOCUS Program’s dedicated staff carefully review each application to identify commonalities (e.g. career considerations, various aspects of social identities and lived experiences, academic interests, hobbies, and goals) between potential matches.

Mentors are selected to provide students with the opportunity to develop personally and professionally in ways that will continue beyond the program.