As part of UPLIFT Academy’s College Path Mentorship (CPM) program, we regularly invite accomplished guest speakers to inspire, guide, and empower our high school students as they prepare for their college journeys. These talks provide students with first-hand insights into the college experience, strategies for success, and the motivation to pursue their goals with confidence.
In Fall 2024, we welcomed two exceptional college students to speak to our CPM participants:
On November 23, 2024, Abdulaziz Almat, a student at Yale University majoring in Economics and International Relations, visited our programs at Masjid Abu Bakr and Seminary Baptist Church, Paterson. He shared valuable advice on setting goals, overcoming challenges, and staying focused through his talk, “Dream Big, Plan Smart: The Path to College Success!”
On December 14, 2024, we were honored to host Suheyla Tozan, a Biomedical/Medical Engineering major at Columbia University. She visited our CPM students at Masjid Fallahee and Alaaka Association, delivering the same inspiring talk and encouraging students—especially young women—to pursue STEM fields and believe in their potential.
Most recently, on February 8, Mustafa Er, a seasoned college counselor at SKY Academy, spoke to students at Seminary Baptist Church and Masjid Abu Bakr on the topic “Crafting Your College Application Essay.” His session provided students with practical advice on how to write compelling personal statements that stand out in college admissions.
These speaker sessions are a vital part of the CPM experience. They expose students—many of whom are the first in their families to attend college—to relatable role models and practical strategies for achieving academic and personal success.
