Mission

Learning to Learn is the institutional voice for first generation, low income, and underrepresented students.  We foster and support the intellectual, personal, and holistic formation of students as they realize their full potential, navigate the academic and social landscape of college life, attain their goals, and graduate.

Services

Academic, Personal and Career Advising

We provide holistic, comprehensive and individualized advising. Academic advising focuses on BC’s Jesuit values and assists students in discerning their academic and personal directions. Topics such as time management, nutrition, housing, and developing supportive relationships are discussed.

UNAS1005: Applications of Learning Theory

A three-credit elective course that teaches students successful methods for improving note-taking, reading, time-management, critical thinking, research paper writing and test preparation skills. Participants begin the process of understanding their own learning styles and strengths.

McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Program) is a graduate school preparation program for Boston College undergraduates who are both low-income and first-generation college students and/or come from underrepresented backgrounds. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the McNair program prepares participants from these underrepresented groups to pursue and attain doctoral degrees and to enter careers in research and academia.

Graduate School Application Support

We assist students in preparing for and applying to graduate school programs through one-on-one meetings and workshops and by encouraging (and supporting students) to apply to University Advanced Study Grants. We also offer online graduate school exam preparation courses (GRE, GMAT, LSAT). 

Graduate Mentor Program

Introduces students to the graduate school process by matching them with a current BC graduate student mentor and providing information on admissions requirements and graduate school life.

McNair Exploratory Program (MEP)

The central purpose of the McNair Exploratory Program (MEP) is to involve first-year students in a conversation with a faculty member about professional career, graduate education, and research. This is a year long program. 

Workshop Seminars

Introduces students to key academic, financial, and professional development information. Topics range from academic, career, budgetary, personal and professional development, and financial aid.

Sisters, Let's Talk

Provides a space for AHANA females to discuss issues that affect their social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual growth and develop skills to navigate through a predominately White institution.

Dedicated Intellectuals of the People (DIOP)

DIOP develops critically conscious leaders and empowers Black men and Men of Color to excel in all apsects of the academy and to live purposeful lives. DIOP instills confidence and inspires its memebers to serve the community, actualize their potential, and achieve their career goals. DIOP members share a special bond of brotherhood and a commitment to social justice that not only transforms Boston College but holds the power to change the world.

BC F1RST- College Transition Program

A two-week summer program that acclimates incoming first generation college students to BC’s campus and resources. Participants build one-on-one relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators and develop community-building, leadership, and self-advocacy skills through small-tailored workshops. 

BC F1RST - Living Learning Community (LLC)

The BC F1RST Living Learning Community (LLC) is an inclusive living community dedicated to supporting first-year, first-generation, and low-income students in their transition to college. The BC F1RST LLC works in collaboration with the Office of Residential Life to offer a variety of programs, activities, and services to help members connect with fellow first-generation, first-year college students, staff, faculty, and administrators. Participants will be encouraged to develop support networks to enhance their personal development, pursue academic excellence, and enhance their collegiate experience. Through group discussions on various topics, students will gain increased knowledge and confidence that will enable them to be successful at BC. Students who choose the BC F1RST LLC are required to enroll in the Applications of Learning Theory (UNAS 1005) course during the Fall semester. The Applications of Learning Theory course will assist with the academic and intellectual transition to BC and will help students build confidence in their academic abilities.

Financial Aid Advising

Assistance in completing financial aid forms, writing appeals, financial planning and BC financial aid information.

Student Supplemental Grants

Qualified students earn a $1,000 financial aid grant (limited funds).

Laptop Loan Program 

Supports academic achievement by providing laptops for students to borrow for two weeks at a time.