ALANA Men in Motion

Student Ambassador Mentorship Program (SAMP)

SUCCESS at Holyoke


About the Programs:

The centerpieces of the SUCCESS Initiative at Holyoke Community College (HCC) are affinity-based learning support and peer mentoring. HCC has two complementary yet distinct SUCCESS programs: ALANA Men in Motion and the Student Ambassador Mentorship Program (SAMP). ALANA provides inclusive academic support, mentoring, and community engagement to cultivate the academic success of men of color at HCC. SAMP offers peer mentorship, community building, and opportunities for leadership and professional development to cultivate the academic success and retention of first-year students and continuing students (with a college GPA between 1.75-2.99). SAMP is open to all students except cis-men and particularly aims to serve the most vulnerable student populations at HCC.

Student Eligibility

Eligible students are automatically enrolled in SUCCESS programs at HCC. If SAMP Scholars increase their GPA to 3.0 or better, they can either apply to be a Success Ambassador or remain a SAMP scholar.

Both ALANA and SAMP participants are supported until they earn their certificate or degree.

By design, students are aware that they are receiving services through SUCCESS. Other units that support SUCCESS at HCC include academic advising, career services, admissions, and marketing.

SAMP students are also placed into internships with a myriad of student-serving offices at HCC.

Continuing students must have a cumulative GPA between 1.75-2.99 to be eligible to join SAMP (this requirement is not in effect once part of SAMP).

Students who are eligible for the SUCCESS program at HCC include:

  • First-time Students
  • Continuing Students
  • Part-time Students
  • Full-time Students
  • English language learners enrolled in at least 6 credits
  • Students with developmental needs in English and mathematics

Cohort Focus Population

In line with the legislative intent to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable student populations, the following student populations are actively recruited for SUCCESS at HCC (differs by program):

  • Economically disadvantaged students
  • First-generation college students
  • Minoritized students (i.e., Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Cape Verdean, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and multi-racial students)
  • Students with disabilities
  • LGBTQIA+ students

Support Services

The following supports are available to SUCCESS students at HCC:

Coaching

Community Events

Field trips to 4yr schools

Academic Advising

Tutoring

Counseling

Career Advising

Discussion Groups

Affinity Groups

Transfer Groups

Mentoring

Workshops

Scholarship Advising

Leadership skills building

Student Planning

Case Management

Study Groups

Professional Development

Support Network

ALANA Men in Motion is supported by a director, two full-time mentors, and one full-time learning coach. SAMP is supported by a director, three Success Coaches, an admin, and 25 part-time student workers.


SUCCESS receives funding through the Massachusetts legislature and is supported by the 15 state community colleges, the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC), the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE), and the SUCCESS Leadership and Coordinating Committees.