Happy February - Thank you for reading!

Hello MTB Families,

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

New Plainfield Leaders!

Based on our success in Passaic, MTB is excited to announce that we are expanding to Plainfield, NJ!

Welcome to our new Plainfield Leaders - Jessica, Kalista, Fernando, and Nikitha! This Spring, our Plainfield Leaders will be shadowing our students in Passaic to learn more about the program before we fully launch in Plainfield in September.

Keep reading to learn a little bit about them. :)

Jess is a current Freshman majoring in Electrical Engineering at Union College of Union County, NJ. Some of her hobbies and interests include baking, gaming, and robotics. Her favorite high school memory is listening to her business teacher’s lectures because of how engaging he made them. One piece of advice Jessica has for high school students pursuing their goal to become a first-generation college student is “Never be afraid to ask questions! A lot of colleges/organizations have so many opportunities and aid for students and all you have to do is take the initiative and ask.”

Kalista is a current Sophomore majoring in Biochemistry at Rider University. Some of her hobbies and interests include watching documentaries, drawing, and environmental sustainability. Her favorite high school memory is graduation day, one of her biggest milestones in her life so far. One piece of advice Kalista has for high school students pursuing their goal to become a first-generation college student is “I know it feels like the stress right now is gonna end you but the sooner you get your stuff done the better and this too shall pass. You can do it!”

Fernando is a current Freshman majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at Kean University. Some of his hobbies and interests include going on hikes and going to the gym. His favorite high school memory is being involved in leadership organizations like the Spanish Honor Society and LASO, where he was able to support his community and help organize cultural and service events. One piece of advice Fernando would give to students pursuing their goal to become a first-generation college student is “Never give up, even when things feel overwhelming. Use every opportunity for support, ask for help, and believe in yourself—your dreams are worth the effort.” 

Nikitha is a current Sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Some of her hobbies and interests include reading, going to the gym, and designing models in SolidWorks. Her favorite high school memory is making morning announcements over the PA system. One piece of advice she'd like to give high school students pursuing their goal to become a first-generation college student is “Never give up on your goals. This will be one of your first major accomplishments, so keep your head up, keep pushing, and never be discouraged by setbacks.” 

January MTB Full Group Meeting

At our January Full Group Meeting, we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Passaic City Hall, and students participated in a FAFSA completion workshop. Our MTB students were able to support others in creating FSA ID accounts, completing the FAFSA, and making FAFSA corrections. And our high school juniors created their own FSA IDs, so they are a step ahead already!

The FAFSA helps students access free money for college from the federal government, including grants and other forms of financial aid for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.

Congratulations to our Fellows for showing up for their community and themselves! 

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 our 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 juniors been working on?

Answer: Assessing College's Cost of Attendance

By using various online tools, students can calculate the cost of attendance at different institutions. Evaluating the affordability of different colleges allows students to narrow down their options and pick the best fit for themselves financially!

Question: What have the seniors been working on?

Answer: Understand Financial Aid and their Financial Aid Award Letters

While your students may be receiving acceptances and award letters, they still need to spend time understanding these offers, weighing their options, and negotiating to see whether they can access additional aid. It is NOT time for students to make decisions yet!

Coming Soon - Mark Your Calendar!

Our sixth Full Group Meeting is coming up! Students are expected to attend one of these dates:

• Saturday, February 14 | 10:00-11:00am OR
• Sunday, February 15 | 4:00-5:00pm

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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