The John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute provides services and resources to ensure the success of students, both at Northeastern University and in the neighboring Boston community.  The Legacy Mentoring Program is designed as a collaborative effort using staff and students to enhance student retention. There are five integral parts to this program that aid in facilitating the transition from high school to college, providing mentors and role models for interested students, increasing the retention rates of Black and Latino/a students, creating a a warm environment for all students; and providing support and information regarding services and resources available at Northeastern.

Legacy Mentee Application and Survey (PDF) 2010

The Legacy Mentoring Program works to support students of all backgrounds to be more successful contributors to the NU community. There are five integral parts to this program that aid in reaching those goals:

• Facilitating the transition from high school to college;
• Providing mentors and role models for interested students;
• Increasing the retention of Black and Latino/a students;
• Creating a a warm environment for all students; and, 
• Providing support and information regarding services and resources available at Northeastern.

Legacy Mentoring Program
Workshop Information

The Legacy Mentoring Program
A Dream Fulfilled!

The Legacy Mentoring Program is a resource to assist students in navigating the college experience at Northeastern University. The mentoring model utilized is peer-to-peer to keep students connected to the academic, professional, social, and cultural resources available to them at Northeastern and throughout Boston! In addition to mentoring services, the program also strives to offer opportunities in the following areas:

Experiential Learning: Northeastern University’s cooperative education program is a model to schools across the country. To help our students stay competitive, we collaborate with campus offices and community organizations to offer resume critiques, mock interviews, and professional etiquette workshops.

Global Opportunities: Our campus is quite diverse with three unique culture centers and an international scholars’ institute. The Legacy Mentoring Program works with these centers and other offices to create a welcoming and safe environment for students of all backgrounds. In addition, we work closely with the International Studies Program to host an annual workshop to highlight Study Abroad opportunities!

Research & Scholarship: In order to support our students’ goals of integrating study and practice, the Legacy Program creates connections for students to engage in undergraduate research. Past students have been published and/or recognized for their outstanding work.

Urban Engagement: Our students do not only attend classes in Boston; they also volunteer in Boston. Legacy students are involved on campus and across the city in community service opportunities and we are planning to head back to the Greater Boston Food Bank to rekindle an old tradition of group service!

Creative Expression: The constant involvement of our students in Legacy’s planning process is essential to our success. Mentors and mentees host speaking engagements, film series, and community service projects. Legacy is committed to facilitating students’ creativity.

The Legacy Mentoring Program is so much more than just a mentoring program; it is a vibrant and diverse community of scholars.

Workshop Information

• Study Abroad:
Gaining international experience gives students an edge in graduate school admissions and post-graduate employment.  In collaboration with the Office of International Study Programs, this workshop presents an informative discussion to educate students about the many opportunities available to study outside of the U.S.  In addition, this forum sets students on the path to developing an academic plan that will allow them the greatest chance for international exploration.

• Financial Literacy:
This workshop is intended to give students a clear understanding of their financial responsibilities as a student.  The workshop provides information to help students develop a strong financial plan and address certain tuition issues.  Issues of credit card debt and building strong credit history will also be addressed.

• Professional Development:
The professional development workshop’s goals are two-fold: 1) help students market themselves effectively for co-op and post-grad employment, and 2) provide networking opportunities with area employers and professional organizations.  Participants can have their resumes critiqued, receive interview coaching, and meet HR reps from Boston’s most desirable employers. 

Community Service

Legacy mentors and mentees volunteer hundreds of hours each year on campus and throughout Boston.  This year we will return to the Greater Boston Food Bank to serve as a group, but we also encourage students to bring ideas of new and exciting ways for us to stay involved with our community!

Film Series

The Legacy Mentoring Program’s "Reel Talk" Film Series endeavors to engage students in discussions about issues raised in films, documentaries, and television programs.  Past events have focused on issues of race and racism, the Civil Rights Movement, the AfroReggae movement (a Brazilian grassroots organization), and many more.

For more information about the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute and  the Legacy Mentoring Program, please call 617.373.3142.