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SMART Program Grows

Twelve University of Scranton students mentored 34 high school students from Scranton High and West Scranton High School as part of The Meg Cullen-Brown SMART Program.

Members of the family of the late Meg Cullen-Brown met with University of Scranton representatives to plan for the fall start of The Meg Cullen-Brown SMART (Scranton Mentors Actively Reaching Teens) Mentoring program, a mentoring program that matches University of Scranton students with Scranton School District students. From left: Michael Brown; Ryan Brown,’16; Pat Vaccaro, director of the Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice at the University, who will oversee the program; Michael Brown Jr. ’13 G’16; and Jake Brown ’21.
Members of the family of the late Meg Cullen-Brown met with University of Scranton representatives to plan for the fall start of The Meg Cullen-Brown SMART (Scranton Mentors Actively Reaching Teens) Mentoring program, a mentoring program that matches University of Scranton students with Scranton School District students. From left: Michael Brown; Ryan Brown,’16; Pat Vaccaro, director of the Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice at the University, who will oversee the program; Michael Brown Jr. ’13 G’16; and Jake Brown ’21.

Twelve University of Scranton students mentored 34 high school students from Scranton High and West Scranton High School as part of The Meg Cullen-Brown SMART Program.

“The program helps high school students connect with a college student to learn about various topics including: social media (use and abuse), bullying, communication, healthy relationships, role models and personal potential,” said Pat Vaccaro, director of Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice.

One goal of the program is to help mentees establish strong relationships with college student mentors. Studies have shown that students have a better chance at academic success when making a connection with a mentor.

“What I enjoyed most about the SMART program was the opportunity for vulnerability which led to authenticity and happiness of all who participated in the program,” said student mentor Mariano Angeloni ’22.

The program was named to honor Meg Cullen-Brown, director of the Office of the Registrar and Academic Services at Scranton, who died unexpectedly in May 2016. The program was made possible by donations from her family and The Margaret Briggs Foundation.

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