College Mentoring for Access and Persistence (CMAP) was launched by Ernst & Young (EY) in 2009 as a national initiative to increase college access for high school students. Through this program, EY offices across the country partner with nearby high schools to provide mentorship and college readiness support. In 2017, CMAP was introduced to Hillside High School through EY’s Iselin, NJ office. Beginning in their junior year, participating students attend monthly sessions that include team-building activities and cover a range of college preparation topics. These include identifying the right college fit, writing personal essays, exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and navigating the transition to college life. Students are grouped into mentoring pods, each consisting of four students and four mentors, to encourage deeper connections and personalized guidance.
Beyond monthly meetings, CMAP offers enriching experiences such as college tours, community service projects, career panels, and other events designed to strengthen mentor-mentee relationships. On June 4th, 2025 CMAP proudly celebrated the achievements of its soon-to-be 2025 high school graduates—the fourth CMAP graduating class at Hillside High School! Congratulations scholars!
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