Initiative Navigating Student Power in Reimaging Education (INSP!RE) is a student empowerment program funded by the Massachusetts SUCCESS Fund.
SUCCESS is a Statewide initiative designed to bolster the wraparound student services available at Massachusetts' 15 state-funded community colleges and is aimed at serving vulnerable student populations. In addition to providing services to the most vulnerable students, SUCCESS programs are accessible to all matriculated, degree-or certificate-seeking students who have not yet earned an associate degree or higher in need of additional support.
INSPIRE engages in targeted outreach to students from top sending neighborhoods served by BHCC and specializes in serving low-income and first-generation students, as well as students who are justice-impacted, but is open to any interested student. INSPIRE utilizes capacity-building strategies in services and programming that are proven to facilitate college success: being community-connected, student-centered, asset-based, data-driven, and outcomes-focused. The program holds several principles as components of its core outcomes: thriving, uplifting, belonging, mentoring, assessing, and navigating. This initiative is designed to increase student persistence/retention, academic success, and degree/certificate completion. All services are informed by student voice and community context. The program emphasizes eliminating barriers and uplifting student strengths.
Students who are interested in participating in the program and in receiving INSPIRE advising services can submit an interest form. They will then be contacted by a team member to schedule a required welcome session. Space is currently limited for INSPIRE advising services, but all interested students can participate in programming.
Some of INSPIRE's core services:
- Intensive Advising: Proactive, personalized support
- Affinity-Based Mentoring: Community-connected, asset-based mentorship
- Peer Support: Structured engagement with trained student leaders
Current Programs
Peer Connectors
Peer Connectors are student leaders and mentors who successfully incorporate mentorship, resiliency guidance, problem solving, general (non-academic) assistance, warm handoffs, and “safe space conversations” for SUCCESS Scholars. Peer Connectors reflect and engage with the communities served by the program. Above all else, the role of the Peer Connector is to empower students along their educational pathway, ensuring registration and course completion towards graduation and/or transfer. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us via email, or complete an application to become a Connector.