Baycoast Bank has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to regional education by awarding a significant $75,000 grant to UMass Dartmouth. This financial boost will directly support the University’s impactful College and Career Awareness Initiatives, specifically designed to encourage and facilitate higher education aspirations among students in the SouthCoast region.
The BayCoast Bank College and Career Awareness Initiatives are set to fund key programs, notably the 7th Grade Campus Tours and the 8th Grade College and Career Summit at UMass Dartmouth. These initiatives play a crucial role in introducing the concept of higher education to younger students, making it a tangible and attainable goal.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with UMass Dartmouth in inspiring the next generation of thinkers and leaders,” stated Nicholas M. Christ, President and CEO of BayCoast Bank. Highlighting the significance of experiential learning, Christ added, “While a picture may be worth a thousand words, there is no greater impact than actually experiencing the magic of a visit to the University’s campus – feeling the energy and excitement in person can have a powerful, transformative impact on our young students and their educational aspirations.” This underscores BayCoast Bank’s belief in the power of direct experience in shaping students’ futures.
Mark A. Fuller, Ph.D., Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth, expressed his gratitude for BayCoast Bank’s continued partnership in this vital endeavor. “I am thankful for BayCoast Bank’s partnership as we work together to get more kids to and through college on the SouthCoast,” said Chancellor Fuller. Drawing from his personal experience, he further noted, “As a first-generation college student, I know how daunting earning a college degree can seem, and I’m proud of our efforts to demystify the experience.” This personal insight emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in making higher education accessible to all students, regardless of their background.
Over the past eight years, the collaboration between UMass Dartmouth and BayCoast Bank has enabled more than 48,000 7th and 8th-grade students from across the SouthCoast to visit the university campus. These campus tours, expertly organized by the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, are a cornerstone of the program. Every 7th grader from Fall River and New Bedford Public Schools benefits from an interactive, academically focused campus tour led by UMass Dartmouth students. These tours are designed to showcase the diverse learning opportunities available at a university and encourage students to envision themselves in a higher education setting. Recognizing the need to broaden access, BayCoast Bank has also supported the creation of an interactive video tour of UMass Dartmouth, making it available to all school districts in the region.
Dr. Matthew H. Roy, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civic Engagement at UMass Dartmouth, highlighted the effectiveness of peer-led engagement. “Having UMass Dartmouth students, with backgrounds similar to the youth leading the tours, makes it easier for the 7th graders to see themselves earning a degree,” he explained. This peer-to-peer interaction is a crucial element in making higher education relatable and achievable for younger students.
The grant will also sustain the College and Career Summit, an event where 8th graders return to UMass Dartmouth for a more immersive experience. This summit features keynote speakers, interactions with university officials, and engagement with UMass Dartmouth students, reinforcing the positive messages from the 7th-grade tours and further immersing students in the college environment.
BayCoast Bank’s continued investment in UMass Dartmouth’s College and Career Awareness Initiatives highlights its deep commitment to the educational advancement of the SouthCoast community. By fostering early exposure to college life and opportunities, this partnership is playing a vital role in building a stronger, more educated future for the region.
