During his senior year of high school, Pedro called his ScholarMatch Destined for College coach nearly 30 times. 

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Nearly every time, Jim Minicozzi picked up. 

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The pressure was overwhelming. Pedro was balancing his final year of high school while navigating college applications and trying to figure out how he would afford college. 

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As the first in his family to go through the process, Pedro initially planned to apply only to his state schools in Nevada. Private universities felt out of reach. 

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That’s when Jim encouraged him to think bigger. 

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Jim helped Pedro understand that financial aid at private schools could sometimes be more generous, making them more affordable than public universities. With Jim’s guidance, Pedro began applying to schools he had never imagined attending. 

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“The biggest challenge he helped me with was realizing my potential,” Pedro says. “Jim helped me see that I was competitive enough for places I never would have considered.” 

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Still, there were a few setbacks along the way. When Pedro didn’t receive a Questbridge match, it was a difficult moment. But Jim reminded him that it wasn’t the end of the road. 

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And he was right!

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Today, Pedro is studying at Boston University, one of the schools Jim encouraged him to consider during his college search.

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For many first-generation students, applying to college can be overwhelming, especially since they may have little guidance on where to begin the process.

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That’s where mentors like Jim step in. 

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For 8 years, Jim has answered that call as a ScholarMatch college coach, guiding first-generation students through the most important transitions in their lives. As a first-generation college graduate himself, Jim understands firsthand the uncertainty many students face when pursuing higher education. 

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“As a long-time coach and first-generation alum, working with ScholarMatch students takes me back to my college journey and the hurdles we faced,” Jim says. “Working with each first-generation student is an opportunity to open their door to life’s wonders more widely.”

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The Power of Mentorship 

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For Jim, coaching is about more than helping students complete applications. It’s about being a steady source of support as they discover what’s possible. 

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“Flexibility and a non-judgmental attitude are critical,” Jim says. “Sometimes progress can be slow, but stick with it. Be available, supportive, and constructive.”

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That kind of mentorship can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

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For many first-generation students, knowing someone is there to take their call, offer encouragement, and believe in their potential can make all the difference. 

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Mentors like Jim help students build the confidence to pursue opportunities they may never have imagined.

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Answer the Call

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When Pedro called his mentor nearly 30 times during senior year, Jim answered. 

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Again and again, he showed up with advice and encouragement, reassuring students like Pedro that they weren’t navigating the college process alone. 

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For years, Jim has been that steady presence for students who needed someone in their corner during one of the most important moments in their lives. 

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Stories like Pedro’s and Jim’s remind us how powerful mentorship can be when someone simply shows up. 

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You can answer that call for a student, too.

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Volunteer with ScholarMatch and help guide a first-generation student through the college journey. 

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