Happy January - Thank you for reading!

Hello MTB Families,

Happy New Year! 🎆

We hope you are having a great start to January! 🎉 Please keep reading to find out about key announcements and upcoming events for this month.

Congratulations to Manan and Ashley!

Congratulations to Ashley and Manan! Both have completed all their coursework for their degrees (and in less than 4 years because of AP and dual enrollment classes). Officially, they graduate in May, but they are now finished and first-generation college graduates! 

Congratulations to Ale!

Congratulations to Ale who was recently awarded a 2025 Point Foundation Access Scholarship! Ale was selected as an Access Scholar based on academic commitment, community engagement and impact, financial need, and demonstrated potential for leadership in the LGBTQ+ community. Ale will receive both financial support and access to leadership and professional development.

Ale was involved in Garden State Equality’s Changemakers program, later serving on the Youth Advisory Board and as a Counselor-in-Training, where they supported LGBTQ+ youth and led an immigration justice workshop. They are a 2025 PASE graduate and a first-year Montclair State University student studying animation, visual effects, and computer science.

Ale was a member of the 2025 class of MTB High School Fellows. They now serve as a College Student Leader, mentoring younger high school peers through the college search, application, and confidence-building process.

December MTB Full Group Meeting

At our December Full Group Meeting, students spoke with our Social Work Interns about family conversations, which took a lot of courage. Family conversations are heavy, but a necessary part of the process!

Martin Luther King Day Event

MTB will be holding an MLK Day Event on January 19, 2026 from 12-4 at Passaic City Hall. This year, our MLK Day Event is centered around FAFSA completion: an important step in the financial aid process. By completing the FAFSA, students gain access to resources that reduce the cost of higher education, limiting unnecessary debt.

This is our second year holding this event in collaboration with Mayor Hector Lora's Youth Council. It is a wonderful opportunity for our MTB students to bring their knowledge to the greater Passaic community.

If you know anyone who needs support with their FAFSA, please spread the word about our event and encourage them to attend.

New Social Work Interns

Hi everyone! My name is Isis-Elysia. As a first-generation college graduate and the proud daughter of immigrants from the Philippines and the Dominican Republic, I bring a unique perspective to my work. With a BA in Communications and a current focus on my Master’s in Social Work, I aim to merge my academic background with my five years of experience as a yoga educator. My goal is to integrate wellness and advocacy to empower others with sustainable mental health habits. I am thrilled to be here and learn from one another! 

Hi! My name is Yaimara, and I am a proud first-generation student. I was born in the United States, and my parents are originally from Ecuador and Cuba, which has strongly shaped my identity and values. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Social Work. My passion for helping others began at a young age when I often assisted my parents by translating and advocating for them, which opened my eyes to the importance of support, access, and understanding. As I continue my journey with MTB, I look forward to being an extra source of encouragement and guidance for those in need, building meaningful connections, and learning more about your goals and experiences.



Hi, my name is Liya, and I am a first-generation student born in Queens, New York. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Social Work, and I enjoy being an advocate for individuals of all ages. Navigating college as a first-generation college student has been a learning experience throughout my educational journey, and it has shaped my understanding of challenges regarding education, support, and access to resources. I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and being someone you can talk things through with as you navigate your goals! Some fun facts about me: I enjoy playing video games, trying new food/cooking new recipes, and caring for animals. 

Reminder for Junior Student Parents

Current juniors will complete the FAFSA in Fall 2026. Their FAFSA will require your 2025 taxes. In addition, NJ financial aid requires one parent to file taxes in order for the student to be eligible for state financial aid.

Remember: we are here to help you understand the risks of filing the FAFSA. Now is the time to reach out with questions!

Stay Connected on WhatsApp

We want to make it easy for families to stay connected and informed. Join our MTB WhatsApp group to receive quick updates and reminders directly to your phone. It's a great way to support your student throughout the year.

Also, we will share the links to the financial literacy sessions so make sure you join by clicking below!

Ask a Question

There's no such thing as a stupid question. Ask anything and everything by going to this form. Don't be shy! Ask a question »

Question: What Have the High School Students Been Working On?

Question: What have the students been working on?

Answer: Self-Evaluations

The goal of this evaluation is for our fellows to think critically about their performance in MTB, work with their mentors, and MTB generally. As with any reflection, the goal is critical thinking in order to promote communication and improvement. We encourage our fellows to identify areas for improvement in themselves, their mentoring relationship, and the organization!

Coming Soon - Mark Your Calendar!

Our fifth Full Group Meeting is our MLK Day FAFSA Completion event at Passaic City Hall! Stipends are available for those who have attended one of the FAFSA training sessions and commit to attending for the full time. Everyone else is expected to attend at least one hour in person:

• Monday, January 19 | 12:00- 4:00 pm

Attendance is mandatory.

Thank you for being here!

Thank you so much for being part of the MTB community.

-The MTB Team

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