A peer mentorship app for first generation college students, so no one has to figure out college alone.
First-generation college students account for 30% of the college population, yet as a first-gen myself, I witness the daily hurdles of fellow students struggling to find resources and a sense of belonging. Connect+ helps to bridge the gap between those first-gen trailblazers who have gone through the college experience and those who are seeking guidance.
Boston University Built through the BU Spark! Innovation Fellowship.
I came to the US at fifteen, surrounded by words I could not read, with parents halfway across the world who spoke no English, and I navigated the whole college application process by myself.
When I started talking to other first generation students, I realized this is not an isolated journey. It is a shared experience that transcends culture and language barriers.
Across the nation, 54% of undergraduates are first generation students. 33% of them drop out within three years. The lack of support, the inequitable access to resources, and the feeling of isolation add up: 40% of first gen students experience clinically significant depressive disorder, twice the national average.
Ran 150+ student interviews to ground the product in real needs. Partnered with BU's First-Gen Center from day one so the design matched what the university actually needed, and with FLIP for the pilot. Built the business model as a B2B non profit: universities pay an annual subscription, students use it free. Recruited an eight person advisory board including the former CEO of MassChallenge and the VP of Product Design at PTC.
A complete venture, from research through product design, business model, and funding strategy, with university partnerships and an advisory board secured. The design system and app I directed became the pitch that opened doors across BU's innovation network.
Awards