The Fleishman Center is proud to highlight the 2025 JUMP Weekend, which took place during the spring semester at Binghamton University.
The Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program commonly known as J.U.M.P. Nation is a student-led organization committed to reducing high school dropout rates by mentoring middle school students identified as “at-risk.” Their signature event, J.U.M.P. Weekend is a transformative, annual experience designed to inspire and empower youth.
During the weekend, the J.U.M.P. executive board pairs participating middle school students with Binghamton University undergraduate mentors who serve as hosts from Thursday through Sunday. These mentors volunteer their time to guide, support, and connect with the students through a series of workshops and interactive activities. The goal of the weekend is to foster meaningful relationships, provide positive role models, and encourage students particularly those from underrepresented or lower socio-economic backgrounds to pursue higher education.
Below Fleishman interviewed 3 individuals (one Mentor/Host and two Executive board members from J.U.M.P nation) who participated in this year’s J.U.M.P weekend highlighting the impactful weekend along with the importance of mentorship and college access.
Mentorship:
- What role do you believe Jump Weekend plays in terms of mentorship and college access for participants? (E.G. examples of activities and initiatives that foster these concepts)
J.U.M.P Weekend has absolute great results in terms of mentorship and college access for its participants. Not only do we provide great introductions to many organizations on campus that in turn get these kids to start thinking about what they could make out of their future, we also create long lasting relationships. The most important part about J.U.M.P Weekend is easily the mentor and protege relationship. We believe in a 5 year commitment plan that will promote accountability for our proteges. Furthermore the proof is there, the program works as we know there are a plethora of success stories, me being one of them!
- John Cepeda Treasurer for 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend and current President
I believe JUMP Weekend assists those who are participating see what their future can possibly look like if they follow a similar path of their mentors and hosts. When coming from a certain community higher education can seem like something that you “won’t” or “can’t” achieve. JUMP wants students to see that individuals just like them can go to college and can become successful.
- Madyson Rodriguez (Vice President of 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend)
I believe Jump Weekend plays a significant role in shaping the lives of 8th grade students and helping them transition into high school. High school graduation drop out rates tend to increase steadily each year. However, allowing these children to attend college for a weekend only helps to decrease those rates and allow them to understand college is in fact possible. This learning experience can teach them that they can do it too. Mentorship is given throughout the program as students are paired with college mentors who guide them through the weekend, answer questions, and demonstrate the positive habits college students maintain both academically and socially. This one-on-one attention helps the students see themselves as future college students and builds their confidence in navigating their future academic paths. Specifically, participation in interactive workshops and group discussions instills entrepreneurship/leadership skills. Students gain first hand experience in social environments. It is truly moving to see how impactful Jump Weekend is for the children as well as for the mentors.
- Nadia Nesredin (24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend Mentor and Host)
2. How has mentorship shaped your own college experience and career?
As I came into college, I was already privileged throughout my life to have amazing mentors. From amazing educators to family friends that wanted the best for me. These mentors are people that I will never forget as they have all shaped me into being the person I am, all in different ways. Now I have taken it upon myself to be a mentor to those who come after me.
- John Cepeda Treasurer for 24’-25’ JUMP weekend and current President
When I first started college I had trouble with finding my major. Once I became involved with organizations like JUMP I was able to figure out my major and what I would like to do in the future.
- Madyson Rodriguez (Vice President of 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend)
JUMP weekend has shaped my college experience tremendously. Mentorship has really shaped my view on making an impact in someone’s life by reminding me how powerful it is to build genuine connections. One of the most meaningful parts for me has been mentoring my mentee, Sky, during the last JUMP weekend. We still keep in touch, and I’ve realized along the way just how alike we are, whether it’s our interests, the questions we ask about the future, or even how we handle our problems. What started as me supporting her turned into something mutual. Sky showed me that mentorship isn’t just about giving advice or teaching someone something — it’s about listening, learning, and growing together. Our relationship has been a reminder that we all need people who see us and believe in us, and that’s something I want to carry with me into every space I enter, both personally and professionally.
- Nadia Nesredin (24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend Mentor and Host)
3. How do you think early exposure to college may help the younger students’ participants decide to pursue higher education?
Early exposure to college does so many beneficial things for young students. The number one thing is that it proves to them that it is a very attainable outcome for them. By putting them in these spaces that they have never been in we can reiterate to them that it IS possible for them to go to college and get the job done.
- John Cepeda Treasurer for 24’-25’ JUMP weekend and current President
I believe early exposure to college allows younger students to have something to look forward to. College is a time in your life when you’re creating a foundation for your adulthood and career which is very important to at least think about before starting high school.
- Madyson Rodriguez (Vice President of 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend)
Early exposure to college can play a significant role in shaping younger students’ decisions to pursue higher education. By engaging with college environments at an early stage, students are able to envision themselves within those spaces, which can reduce feelings of uncertainty or intimidation. This exposure provides them with a clearer understanding of the opportunities that higher education affords, both academically and professionally. It also demonstrates the direct connection between their current academic efforts and future success. Additionally, early experiences on a college campus can foster a sense of belonging and confidence, particularly for students who may not have family or community members with college experience. Such opportunities not only demystify the college experience but also help cultivate motivation, goal-setting, and long-term aspirations, making higher education feel like a realistic and attainable pathway.
- Nadia Nesredin (24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend Mentor and Host)
4) Why do you think representation is important in mentorship, especially for younger students of color, students of various affinities or first-generation students?
Representation is an invaluable thing for these students. Like the previous question, it shows them that people that look like them and are from the same neighborhoods can and have pursued a way out. Without representation, which is something we promote and strive for, the program would not be half as effective.
- John Cepeda Treasurer for 24’-25’ JUMP weekend and current President
Many schools in America are PWI’s, therefore when people of color think about college they create a preconceived notion that college isn’t a place or an option for them because of where they come from and who they are. But JUMP weekend shows students that someone who looks just like them can take part in the college experience and become a leader in their community.
- Madyson Rodriguez (Vice President of 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend)
Representation of people of color in mentorship is important because it allows students to see themselves reflected in the people that are guiding them. For students of color, we all have different identities and backgrounds. Especially with first-generation students, having a mentor who shares similar experiences can help reassure that their goals are both valid and achievable. It creates a sense of belonging and helps to counter feelings of isolation that can come with navigating spaces where they may not see many people like themselves.When mentors share aspects of a student’s background or identity, they’re often able to provide more nuanced guidance acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities that come with that lived experience.
This kind of connection also builds trust and students feel understood on a deeper level, which makes them more open to advice and encouragement. Beyond individual relationships, representation in mentorship sends a broader message: success is not limited by race, identity, or background. For younger students especially, seeing someone who looks like them or has walked a similar path not only inspires confidence but also helps them imagine possibilities they may not have otherwise considered.
- Nadia Nesredin (24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend Mentor and Host)
IMPACT:
- What is the most rewarding moment of JUMP weekend for you?
The most rewarding moment ever of J.U.M.P. weekend was my first ever one as a Binghamton student. I went from a past protege, to Binghamton student, to a mentor with my very own protege that attended the same middle school as mine. It was one of the most full circle moments of my life and something ill never forget.
- John Cepeda Treasurer for 24’-25’ JUMP weekend and current President
The most rewarding moment of JUMP weekend for me was when I interned for the organization and was able to host a protege(student). It was a great experience and it felt like I had a little sister. Throughout the weekend I saw her change into a better version of herself and in the end she created a thank you gift for me at one of the forums. At this point I felt like I did my job in creating a great bond with the students to continue to assist them.
- Madyson Rodriguez (Vice President of 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend)
For me, the most rewarding moment of JUMP Weekend is seeing the students’ eyes light up when they realize college is something they can actually reach. Especially when I performed with my mentee during the talent show. I stepped out of my own comfort zone and had so much fun doing so. Watching Sky’s confidence inspired me to have my own. Seeing her make the connection between her interests and wanting to attend college was incredibly rewarding. We had a lot in common, to the point where it was almost too much of a coincidence. We spoke about her interests in potentially pursuing law and that’s the field I want to go into. Moments like that remind me why mentorship matters: it’s not just about showing students what’s possible—it’s about helping them see it in themselves.
- Nadia Nesredin (24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend Mentor and Host)
2.What long-term impact do you hope these mentoring relationships will have beyond the event?
At the very least, I want every single one of these kids to expand their horizons beyond their neighborhoods and the daily activities they see going on.
- John Cepeda Treasurer for 24’-25’ JUMP weekend and current President
I hope these mentoring relationships continue forever. Our organization vocalizes to continue the long-term relationship for 5 years. But I hope it can continue forever. These relationships should be a relationship that guides one another in their life journey. Both mentor and mentee can learn from each other along the way!
- Madyson Rodriguez (Vice President of 24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend)
The long-term hope for these mentoring relationships is that all of the advice and lessons they learned stick with students after JUMP weekend. I hope they continue to pursue a higher education and will someday be college graduates. I also hope this makes students feel more confident about themselves, their goals, and what’s possible for their future. Mentors can continue to offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear, helping students navigate challenges and celebrate successes along the way. These relationships aim to inspire students, show them that they belong in spaces they might not have thought possible, and help them feel empowered to pursue higher education and future opportunities with confidence.
- Nadia Nesredin (24’-25’ J.U.M.P weekend Mentor and Host)
Photos of Nadia with her Mentee and her Roommates Mentee
Photo of John Cepeda at his First JUMP weekend on Executive board
