Debby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.

Ben Jeter’s experiences at UMass Lowell, including participating in the professional co-op program and his job as a resident advisor, turned him into a student leader.

A work-study job with the Center for Lowell History is preparing Lilian Whitehead for a future museum career.

Kimani Brown is doing research on racial equity and inclusion with a professor.

Michelle Garcia, a rising spoken word poet, is also learning how to write poetry for the page.