Conn Alum Leaves Legacy of Mentorship
A member of Posse New York’s first Posse at Connecticut College, Stivenson Jean-Louis has embarked on a transformative journey during his college years, driven by a passion for mentorship and community impact. Stivenson’s legacy shines brightly through the Pathway to Manhood program, a pivotal initiative he launched to support young men of color in partnership with the local Boys and Girls Club.
"I wanted these young men to have a space where they felt they could connect," Stivenson explains, reflecting on the creation of the program. "There was a clear need for a structured program that addressed self-esteem, emotional vulnerability, and navigating the challenges of being a man of color."
The Pathway to Manhood program originated from Stivenson’s involvement with MoCA (Men of Color Alliance), a club that fosters brotherhood amongst men of color at Connecticut College. Drawing from his psychology major and finance minor, Stivenson leveraged his academic background to enrich the existing Boys and Girls Club mentorship curriculum with lessons on personal values and resilience.
The mentorship program is a legacy I hope will endure, empowering future generations of young men of color.
"Through the Boys and Girls Club’s existing Passports and Method program, we integrated new modules focused on emotional intelligence and personal growth," he shared. "These additions were crucial in empowering our mentees to navigate their academic and personal journeys confidently."
At Connecticut College, Stivenson’s growth extended beyond academics. Engaging deeply with campus life, he joined MoCA, served on the Honor Council, and became a Career Fellow. Balancing these roles alongside his studies required meticulous organization and time management, skills he honed through guidance from mentors like Dean Cardwell and his Posse Trainers.
Reflecting on his college experience, Stivenson acknowledges the impact of the Posse program in fostering a supportive community away from home.
"Being part of the first New York Posse at Connecticut College has been transformative," he says. "It provided a new environment where I could thrive and contribute."
This summer, he worked as the assistant director at a nonprofit camp. His aspirations include pursuing a master’s degree in public administration or nonprofit management.
"I want to continue impacting my community," Stivenson said. "The mentorship program is a legacy I hope will endure, empowering future generations of young men of color in and around southeastern Connecticut to realize their full potential."
