Westmont Magazine Focusing on First-Generation Students

For the first time in its 15-year history, the Liberal Arts Ambassadors program is focusing exclusively on equipping first-generation college students to share the vital importance of a liberal arts education with underserved youth.

“Too few young people understand what a liberal arts education can offer, especially those from underrepresented groups, socioeconomically disadvantaged families, or whose parents didn’t attend college,” says Christian Hoeckley, director of the Gaede Institute, which oversees the program. “These young people risk missing out on an education that can serve their career interests and lives far better than an apparently more pragmatic education.”

The ambassadors work in local after-school or nonprofit-based programs that enroll underserved youth, and they receive a scholarship of $2,000 per year for their efforts engaging the community. The pandemic prevented them from working face-to-face with high school students during the fall, and the Gaede Institute is exploring virtual service opportunities for spring 2021. They hope ambassadors will begin placements in person next fall.

“We look forward to ambassadors beginning their work as mentors for local high school students,” says Christen Foell, associate director of the Gaede Institute. “By offering insight into the process of applying to college and the undergraduate experience, ambassadors become role models—and they benefit themselves by developing professionally and applying their coursework.

“We’d love to see ambassadors work with the admissions team, serving as student panelists, housing ambassadors and activity coordinators. The ambassadors are equipped to speak to the unique value of a liberal arts education as well as topics related to the college decision and financial aid process.”

Aliyah Brown

Dee Clark

Ariadne "Ruby Hernandez

Eric Reyes