More than a hundred first-generation college students moved into their new dorms this month at Messina College, a new school run by Boston College that aims to help disadvantaged students earn college degrees.
“It’s been a long time in our history. Working with first-generation scholars as well as immigrant scholars, with wonderful monetary needs, was even the very foundation of Boston College,” said founding dean Erick Berrelleza.
The school, at Brookline, offers two-year associate degrees in four areas: implemented knowledge science, fitness science, general business, implemented psychology, and human development.
The “majority” of the 110 scholarship recipients will pay up to $200 out of pocket in addition to an annual loan of $2,000, Berrelleza said.
The school’s first class moved on July 7 to start two summer classes. Berrelleza called summer school an “on-ramp” for students, allowing them to take one less course in the fall and spring than a classical student.
“I think about not sacrificing the rest of the school experience,” he said. “It’s helping to reduce that burden and allows them to be a little more well-rounded as students. “
The school’s residential style sets it apart from other two-year schools, which are suburban schools, Berrelreza said.
Berrelleza, who is a first-generation student, said at school he was “a model for sinking or swimming. “They pressured him to get Messina to offer him more support.
“It doesn’t matter that they don’t have part of that cultural capital, part of the knowledge, through their family, of going to school,” Berrelliza said. “We give them part of this program, part of this culture, to make sure that their experience is rich, that they are a success here. »
Messina’s $50 million donation follows Colombia’s 2020 acquisition of the former Pine Manor College in Brookline. The former campus of Pine Manor College is now the home of Messina College. From there, Berreleza said, a round-trip bus connects Messina’s academics to Chestnut. Hill Campus in Colombia.
In 1863, Columbia began as a suburban school, or “little streetcar college,” primarily for the Irish and Catholic immigrant community.
“Messina College is just a continuation of the efforts we have made in the past,” Berrelleza said.
Messina students will take two courses at the Chestnut Hill, BC campus in their second year. Berrelleza highlighted the small, elegant sizes of the new school, its mentoring program and the close relationships between academics and members of the university.
“No one is anonymous in a program like this,” he said.
Messina shared the moving activities on Instagram, where the academics said they were excited to grow within a tight-knit network over the next two years.
“I’m excited to connect with students, to role-play for next year’s upcoming students, and to get to know this school,” one student said.
Once scholars graduate with their associate’s degree, they can enter or enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, Berrelliza said. Messina’s 4 majors are designed to align with Colombia’s 4-year programs, but scholars will want to request a transfer to the school or another 4-year institution.
“Whether it’s in Colombia or some other facility, they will enjoy it a lot more. They already have a smart base,” he said. “Messina College’s two-year program is the pleasure of Colombia. We will offer you the comprehensive and enriching experience of being a student.