Hostos Community College is pleased to announce that the Ichigo Foundation has awarded a generous $200,000 grant to pilot the Gateway to Year 2 First Year Experience (FYE) expansion. This exciting two-year initiative will support up to 60 students, empowering them to take or retake foundational English or math courses required to advance academically. This marks the first time the Ichigo Foundation has directly supported the College, and Hostos is deeply grateful for this transformative investment.
The program builds on the remarkable success of Hostos' FYE, which was revamped through a Title V grant in Fall 2023. The enhanced FYE program has significantly improved student outcomes by proactively engaging incoming students, connecting them to campus services, and deepening their sense of belonging. A key feature of the program is the evidence-backed peer mentorship model, which embeds student leaders into foundational math and English courses to provide additional tutoring and academic guidance. This approach has helped to boost Hostos' retention rate by an impressive 9% from 2023 to 2024.
Despite this progress, students who have struggled to complete foundational math or English courses remain at greater risk of not returning for a second year. The new Gateway to Year 2 pilot is designed to address this challenge by giving students a powerful second chance to succeed. By covering tuition costs and offering incentives for participating in tutoring and peer mentor check-ins, the program removes financial barriers and encourages students to remain engaged.
Taking these foundational courses during the summer allows students to focus on a single subject, maximizing their chances of success. This strategic timing aligns with best practices in community college retention, ensuring students remain connected to their academic journey. As part of the program, participants will continue to receive guidance and mentorship throughout the following academic year, further enhancing their path to success.
Program director Silvia Reyes, Ed.D., expressed her gratitude and excitement for this initiative. “We are thrilled to receive support from the Ichigo Foundation, which will help Hostos expand and enhance our FYE Mentoring Program. Peer mentoring is an effective strategy that empowers students to overcome academic and procedural challenges, ensuring they feel supported as they navigate their college journey. This grant will foster stronger connections among students and between students and the College. Through mentorship, FYE participants will gain valuable insights into their academic and career interests while recognizing the importance of staying engaged with academic support and campus resources. Over the next two years, we will track the program’s impact and use data to guide future improvements.”
Thanks to the generous support of the Ichigo Foundation, Hostos is excited to launch this impactful program in Summer 2025. This investment reflects a shared commitment to empowering students, strengthening retention, and providing access to higher education and opportunity. The College looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the students who will benefit from this incredible opportunity.