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Mentorship at Barrier Breakers®: Guidance that lasts beyond acceptance
At Barrier Breakers®, mentorship is a core part of how we support students — alongside admissions advising and continued support during college — as they grow into confident, capable professionals.
Our mentors help students navigate academic decisions, career exploration, identity, and transitions, especially at moments when first-generation students often feel most alone.
What Mentorship Looks Like
Barrier Breakers mentors provide consistent, relationship-based support, tailored to each student’s goals and stage of life. Mentors meet with students for 1 hour per month for 12 months. Our mentorship program is designed to complement academic advising and wellness support.
Mentorship may include:
Career exploration and professional guidance.
Navigating college life as a first-generation student
Building confidence, self-advocacy, and a professional identity
Exposure to multiple career paths & industries
What our Students Say
“I didn’t grow up around any lawyers. I’m a first-generation professional student. I knew having someone who would help me along that journey would be extremely helpful and Sydney did just that.”
Hear more from Aisha, one of our clients who is currently attending Notre Dame Law School!
Who our Mentors Are
Our mentors are professionals across a range of industries, including law, healthcare, business, STEM, public service, and sustainability. Many are first-generation graduates themselves and understand the challenges our students face firsthand.
Mentors may engage as:​
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Individual mentors to current students
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Industry mentors connected to specific career pathways
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Corporate partners supporting internship and early-career exposure
All mentors are supported by Barrier Breakers staff and guided by clear program expectations.
Mentorship at Barrier Breakers® is part of our broader commitment to long-term student success — from high school through college and beyond.
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