Learnings Corner: Engagement in the Summer Months

For many organizations working with students, the summer is a time when programs wind down and take stock of how the academic year went. However, because of that break in services, student retention becomes an issue when the new academic year starts. Bristol Community College has come up with a great way to keep participants engaged year-round and capitalize on Summer break. BCC's Mobility Mentoring program focuses on supporting non-traditional, parenting students whose children are usually home for the Summer. The BCC program offers multiple events and retreats over the Summer in which children can do something fun and engaging while their parents can attend program workshops, connect with community business leaders, and receive other program support. In this way, everyone wins: parents stay more engaged with the program over the Summer, they can continue to develop their skills and stay connected, and kids can have something fun to do as well! - Jacob Fanning, Member Relations