MADISON, FL – A North Florida College mentoring program that has significantly improved student
success will continue to grow thanks to a $25,000 gift from an anonymous donor.
The contribution will strengthen NFC's nationally recognized iCARE Mentoring Program,
which connects students with faculty and staff mentors who provide personalized guidance,
encouragement and support throughout their college experience. The donor requested
to remain anonymous.
Since its launch, the iCARE Mentoring Program has become a cornerstone of student
success at North Florida College. More than 25 percent of the College's faculty and
staff serve as mentors, helping students develop study and communication skills, build
confidence, set academic and personal goals, navigate challenges and connect with
campus resources. To date, the program has served more than 111 student mentees.
The program has also produced measurable results. During the 2024-2025 academic year,
retention among participating students increased by more than 41 percent, with the number of retained mentees growing from 46 to 68. As more students remain
enrolled and on track to graduate, fewer have required financial assistance through
NFC's Last Mile Scholarship Program, demonstrating the value of proactive mentoring
and early intervention.
"This generous investment reflects the power of relationships," said Snowey Hagan,
NFC iCare Mentor Sponsor. "When students know someone believes in them, encourages
them and helps them navigate challenges, they are more likely to persist, succeed
and reach graduation. We are grateful for a donor who shares our commitment to changing
lives through education."
The gift will help sustain and enhance the mentoring experience by supporting mentor
and mentee resources, networking events, community-building activities, transfer campus
visits, student recognition and other initiatives that foster belonging and engagement.
At an annual cost of less than $75 per student, the program delivers an extraordinary
return through improved student persistence and success.
"Every gift to North Florida College is an investment in our students' futures," said
Traci McClung, Executive Director of Resource Development. "This contribution allows
us to expand a program that has already demonstrated remarkable results. By investing
in mentorship, this donor is helping students build confidence, stay enrolled and
achieve their educational goals while strengthening the future of our communities."
The iCARE Mentoring Program was recognized nationally as a Bellwether Award finalist,
one of the nation's highest honors for innovative community college programs. The
recognition reflects the program's success in improving outcomes for students through
a low-cost, high-impact model that other institutions have sought to replicate.
Students participating in the iCARE Mentoring Program are paired with experienced
faculty and staff mentors who provide ongoing encouragement, accountability and guidance
from enrollment through graduation. Through regular check-ins and goal setting, mentors
help students overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements and build the confidence
needed to succeed both in college and beyond.
For more information about the iCARE Mentoring Program, contact Snowey Hagan, iCARE
Mentor Sponsor, at hagans@nfc.edu or 850-973-1605.
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Mentee Mixer Fall 2025 (Photo 1)
Mentee Mixer Fall 2025 (Photo 2)
Mentor Elizabeth Gonzales and mentee Robert Navarro-Reyes
Mentee Anaysia Besswith and mentor Debbie Thompson
Mentee James Hagan and mentor Delvin Boatman