Stony Brook University has received a grant from Santander US to support its new Pathways to Employability initiative. The two-year program aims to help first-generation and Pell-eligible college students develop skills needed for the workforce.
The initiative, managed by the Stony Brook Career Center, will provide students with professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and visits to corporate sites. These activities are designed to increase students’ confidence, expose them to different industries, and assist them in securing internships. The funding from Santander US will also go toward scholarships and hiring graduate student coordinators for the program.
“Being the first in your family to attend college means blazing a trail without a clear map,” said Associate Vice President for Career Readiness and Experiential Education Marianna Savoca. “At the Career Center, we want to be that guide — helping our ‘firsts’ navigate with confidence and excitement. With Santander’s generous gift, we’re building a model that can grow here and inspire replication across other institutions.”
Further details about the program are available at SB Matters.