The DebtorWise Foundation, a national non-profit Financial Education company headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., offers an innovative outreach mentorship program for High School students that aspire to be the first members of their families to attend college. The "First-Generation Pathways" mentorship program provides practical business experience as well as guidance in the college application/matriculation process. Students participate as paid interns during their senior year of High School. In the fall of 2010, DebtorWise launched its first outreach "Pathways" program with East High School in Rochester, N.Y.
DebtorWise "coaches" its Pathways interns through technology training sessions, business strategy meetings, and ongoing DWF marketing initiatives. More importantly, the Pathways program fosters a long-term relationship with each student that cultivates the social capital that is necessary for successfully completing a college degree program. The DebtorWise staff meet regularly to answer questions about academic programs and college life in order to better prepare the Pathways interns for the transition from High School and the challenges of collegiate life. DebtorWise assists the Pathways interns with college applications, preparation for placement exams, and guideance with their degree programs.
In 2011, DebtorWise launched its first scholarship program to assist first-generation college students achieve their goal of successfully completing an academic degree program. For additional information on the Pathways mentorship program, please contact Donna Slavin at D.Slavin@Debtorwise.org.
"First-Generation Pathways" Mentorship Program
Current Students (2010 - 2011)
Josh Fedrick - Student
School: East High School
Interests: Drawing, music, sports, and video games.
After High School: Go to college for business.
Ashley Davidow - Student
School: East High School
Interests: Lacrosse, shopping and doing hair (braiding).
After High School: Attend college to become either a physician's assistant or a lawyer.
Former Students
Karlise Knight - Student
2010 - 2011
DebtorWise in the Community
The DebtorWise family is made up of members of the Rochester community, and as such, has a passion to give back to it. For the 2011 Holiday season, the DebtorWise staff decided to select a charity to donate toward. Unable to decide on one charity, DebtorWise ended up giving to three charities. Below are a few DebtorWise employees handing the checks to representatives of the charities.
Jessica Regan (left) accepts a check from Jennifer Wagner (right).
Jennifer Wagner, a certified credit counselor with DebtorWise, hands a check to Jessica Regan, Development Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rochester Chapter. The Rochester Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) supports 200 CF patients and their families in the 9
surrounding counties of Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Genesee, Steuben, Livingston, Yates, Wyoming and Chemung. Their mission is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.
To learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rochester Chapter, click here.
David Kraines (left) presents a check to Beth Odell (right).
David Kraines, the graphic designer for DebtorWise, presents Beth Odell (financial coordinator with Rochester Family Mission) with a check. Rochester Family Mission was founded in 1927 and is a Christian outreach organization called to serve and strengthen the family by meeting both material and spiritual needs. Rochester Family Mission focuses primarily on the inner city of Rochester, NY. Their emphasis is on helping families in the southwest neighborhoods. They address urgent needs for food, clothing referrals, heat and electric assistance referrals, and counseling services.
To learn more about Rochester Family Mission and what they do, click here.
Tom Upchurch (left) presents a check to Dana Frame (right).
Tom Upchurch, Director of Education for DebtorWise, gives a check to Dana Frame, President of Compeer Rochester, Inc. Compeer Rochester is a non-profit organization that matches community volunteers in supportive one-on-one relationships with adults and youth who are striving for mental wellness. Through the power of supportive friendships, Compeer serves as a bridge to enhanced wellness and community integration for those with social and emotional barriers.
To learn more about Compeer Rochester, Inc and what they do, click here.
*DebtorWise Foundation is approved by the Office of the United States Trustee to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an agency's services.