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Megan Wigton
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"The ESP program has truly helped me grow this year, both personally and academically. Having a strong support system made it easier to transition into college life and feel confident in my abilities. My coach helped me so much—always there when I needed support or just someone to talk to. I would definitely recommend ESP to any student who wants to feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Being part of this program reminded me that I'm never alone, and that means everything to me."
— Nychelle Martinez Matheson, ESP participant, Fall 2025 AOP inductee, and AOP board member
The transition to college can be both exciting and challenging. For many first-year students, having a trusted guide can make all the difference. Salem State University's Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) provides that support through a comprehensive coaching model that serves 150 qualifying first-year students each academic year.
At the heart of ESP is a simple but powerful idea: students thrive when they receive personalized, consistent wraparound support. Through biweekly meetings with a success coach, students build the skills and confidence needed to navigate college life. Coaches help students strengthen organization, time management, and study strategies, while also supporting them through more complex challenges such as building connections on campus, exploring academic and career pathways, and understanding college policies and procedures.
These regular conversations foster strong relationships, allowing coaches to become trusted resources and advocates throughout students' first year setting a foundation for future success. The results speak for themselves.
Since 2019, students who have participated in the Emerging Scholars Program have been retained and graduated at rates that average 10 percentage points higher than their comparable peers. These outcomes demonstrate the impact of holistic, individualized support and affirm the program's commitment to student success.
Student feedback consistently reinforces the value of the program. In annual exit surveys, participants describe ESP as a critical source of encouragement, connection, and belonging.
"As a first-generation college student, the Emerging Scholars Program has been an essential source of support for me. Having someone who believed in my success helped me feel seen, encouraged, and capable of achieving my goals. My coach, has played a significant role in helping me persist and overcome challenges I never imagined facing. Beyond academic support, this program has given me a sense of community and optimism for the future."
— Sophia Navarro, ESP participant, Fall 2025 AOP Inductee, and AOP board member
The Emerging Scholars Program is generously supported by university donors. The Student Success and First-Year Experience team is deeply grateful for their investment in a program that is producing measurable, life-changing outcomes for Salem State students.
As the FYE staff begins recruiting the next cohort of Emerging Scholars from the incoming first-year class, the future is bright. Each new scholar represents another opportunity to foster belonging, build confidence, and help students achieve their full potential. The continued success of ESP demonstrates what is possible when students are given the support they need to thrive.