What does it take for justice-impacted students to feel they belong in college? It starts with relationships, trust, and support from people who understand their experiences. That’s why CARA is proud to partner with Project Impact at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). We began our partnership by facilitating focus groups in order to better understand the particular experiences of justice-impacted students as they navigate college. Participants described college as an opportunity to build a new future, while also sharing the unique barriers they faced, from navigating unfamiliar technology and institutional systems to overcoming feelings of isolation, finding ways to rebuild trust, and balancing competing responsibilities.  One participant shared that they spent “two months in the IT room before starting college,” resolving access issues and learning to use technology. Students interviewed were also hyper-aware of differences in age and life experience relative to their peers. Across every conversation, one message was clear: students benefit most when they have consistent, supportive relationships with people who believe in their potential.

This summer, Project Impact Peer Leaders will participate in CARA’s peer leader training while we collaborate to adapt portions of our curriculum for justice-impacted students. Beginning in January 2027, CARA will work alongside Project Impact to refine supervision practices, further formalize the peer mentor role, and develop a customized training curriculum. This partnership reflects CARA’s broader vision for educational equity,   helping schools and colleges build the capacity to create lasting systems that foster belonging and student success for ALL students.