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One-on-one
A personal mentor relationship instead of a one-size-fits-all workshop.
A San Diego High student-led mentorship initiative
Caver Ties
Caver Ties connects first-generation high school students with first-generation college students for honest, one-on-one guidance through college and beyond.
30-minute Zoom mentorship • Once a month • More connection when you want it
1 : 1real connection
Someone who has been through it can make the path feel a lot less confusing.
WHY CAVER TIES
Sometimes you don't need another brochure. You need someone who gets it.
First-generation students can face questions that are hard to answer when nobody at home has navigated college before. Caver Ties creates a direct connection between students who are figuring it out now and students who have already taken those steps.
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First-gen to first-gen
Mentors understand the experience because they've lived it themselves.
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Real conversations
Ask about applications, financial aid, college life, majors, nerves, and everything in between.
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Built to grow
Start with meaningful connections and grow the program through the people it serves.
HOW IT WORKS
Simple by design.
We want the logistics to be easy so the relationship can be the focus.
Sign up
Students and college mentors share their interests, goals, and what they want help with.
Get matched
Caver Ties creates a thoughtful match based on interests, goals, and the kind of support needed.
Meet monthly
Mentor and mentee meet for a 30-minute Zoom conversation once a month.
Stay connected
If both people want to talk more often, that's up to the mentor and mentee.
FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Be the person you wish you had.
You don't need to have every answer. You just need to remember what it felt like to navigate college for the first time and be willing to share what you've learned.
- Share your real college experience
- Help a student think through options
- Talk through applications and college life
- Be a reliable person in their corner
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Bring your questions. Bring your goals. Bring your uncertainty.
Your mentor is there to help you make college feel more understandable and more personal.
College explorationLearn how students choose schools, majors, and paths.
ApplicationsTalk through the process with someone who has done it.
Financial aidAsk questions about scholarships, FAFSA, and paying for college.
College lifeGet the honest version: friends, classes, homesickness, money, and more.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Small conversations can change what feels possible.
Caver Ties is starting with meaningful one-on-one relationships. As the program grows, we will track participation, meetings, workshops, resources shared, and student feedback so the impact stays measurable—not just a number on a poster.
01Mentors recruited
02Students connected
03Mentorship meetings
04Stories of growth
QUESTIONS
Good questions are welcome here.
Who is Caver Ties for?
Caver Ties is designed for first-generation high school students and first-generation college students who want to participate as mentors.
How often do mentors and mentees meet?
The core program is one 30-minute Zoom meeting each month. Mentor and mentee pairs can choose to connect more often if they both want to.
What can I talk about with my mentor?
Anything related to the college journey: choosing schools or majors, applications, essays, scholarships, financial aid, college life, or simply having someone who understands the process.
Do mentors need to attend a specific college?
No. Caver Ties is about relatable, reliable guidance—not a particular college name.
Is Caver Ties only about admissions?
No. The goal is a broader connection: helping students understand college and feel supported before and during the transition to higher education.
LET'S BUILD THE TIE
Want to be part of Caver Ties?
Reach out with questions, interest, ideas, or opportunities to collaborate.