Riverside's Language Labs and Mentoring Program have resumed! Volunteers have returned to our classrooms. Those who are unable to meet in person are connecting to students remotely. While the new normal has its challenges, Riverside is thrilled to restart such important parts of its programming. An added benefit to remote connections is that it allows Riverside to expand the community of volunteers eager to work with its students, but who are unable to attend onsite.

"In the beginning, it was a little technologically challenging. But since the launch, it has gone very well. The volunteers were excited to resume the labs. The students were so happy to have conversations. Some students told me that the conversations were so enjoyable that they wished they could have it every day," shared Riverside's Office Assistant Lynda Metmer, who coordinates the labs.

The Mentoring Program, which launched last fiscal year, is once again pairing up students with mentors to build professional connections and to receive support in navigating American society. The program allows students to gain expert guidance and tap into professional networks to advance their career goals. "I had the opportunity to train for an interview with my mentor. She gave me helpful advice and more specific vocabulary that connected with my profession."