Talon Academy: A Success Initiative for Underrepresented/Underserved Students

About the Talon Academy

The Talon Academy was created to support and guide Underrepresented/Underserved students in their pursuit of personal and academic success. The mission of the Talon Academy is to enhance the graduation and success rates for Brockport’s student population through academics, enrichment, and encouragement. The core values of the Talon Academy are:

  • Self-Affirmation
  • Academic Achievement
  • Exploration and Exposure
  • Civic Engagement
  • Leadership and Excellence
  • Graduation

Starting in Fall 2020, current first and second year students will be able to participate in this cohort-based program. Interested students are encouraged to register now.

Program Goals

  • Academic Success: Define and increase the academic success and persistence for our underrepresented/underserved student population through engagement, support and intentional programming.
  • Mentoring: Improve sense of belonging and support systems for underrepresented/underserved student population on campus and within the local community.
  • Leadership Development: Increase access and participation in high impact practices that are associated with increased satisfaction, learning, sense of belonging, and persistence to successful goal completion including graduation

First Year Program

Key features of the First Year Program include:

  • Mentoring connections with alumni, faculty, staff, or upper-class students
  • Participation in the Leadership Development Program
  • Participation in student organizations, campus events, and community service
  • Personalized academic support (study groups, advisement, and tutoring)

First-Year NACE Competencies

The following NACE Competencies will be used to guide programs and co-curricular activities:

  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Oral/Written Communications

Second Year Program

Key features of the Second Year Program include:

  • Individualized career advising and planning
  • Connections with alumni and employers in career areas of interest
  • Mentoring connections with alumni, faculty, staff, or upper-class students
  • Participation in the Leadership Development Program
  • Personalized academic support (study groups, advisement, and tutoring)

Second-Year NACE Competencies

The following NACE Competencies will be used to guide programs and co-curricular activities:

  • Career Management,
  • Professionalism/Work Ethic
  • Leadership
  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  • Oral/Written Communications

Third Year & Beyond

  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career advising and planning (resume writing, mock interviews, and graduate school preparation)
  • Opportunities to serve as a peer mentor
  • Personalized academic support (study groups, advisement, and tutoring)