{"id":10041,"date":"2026-10-25T16:08:56","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T15:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evabxl.be\/nieuws-item\/new-academic-year-not-every-working-student-starts-with-the-same-opportunities\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T16:08:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T15:08:56","slug":"new-academic-year-not-every-working-student-starts-with-the-same-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"nieuws-item","link":"https:\/\/evabxl.be\/en\/nieuws-item\/new-academic-year-not-every-working-student-starts-with-the-same-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"New academic year: Not every (working) student starts with the same opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

For thousands of students in Brussels, the academic year has begun once again. For some, this start feels like second nature. Others juggle their studies with a job, caring for a family, or financial worries. Moreover, those who are the first in their family to attend college don\u2019t always find it easy to navigate higher education. <\/p>\n

These challenges often go unnoticed, but they have a major impact on academic success. That is why EVA bxl, through its \u201cTogether for a Diploma\u201d program<\/strong>, supports working students who face obstacles during their studies and could use extra support. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Looking for students who could use some support<\/strong><\/p>\n

To reach students, \u201cSamen voor een Diploma\u201d visits Brussels colleges every year. In recent weeks, we\u2019ve been to Erasmus University College Brussels, Odisee Brussels, and the Sint-Guido Institute, among others. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be talking with students, faculty, and academic advisors. They\u2019re well acquainted with the realities faced by working students and often notice when someone is struggling with study planning, administrative issues, motivation, or balancing school, work, and family. \u201cTogether for a Diploma\u201d ( <\/strong>SvD) also brings together faculty members and academic advisors to discuss program needs. We\u2019ve done this for programs such as the Associate Degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, and Digital Studies. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Volunteer coach Jasmine introduces SvD to an auditorium full of early childhood education students.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Applications for this academic year are pouring in; about 15 student-mentor matches have been made; and the first introductory meetings between students and mentors have taken place.<\/p>\n

The same goes for mentor Nikol and student Bas\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bas is in his first year of the associate degree program in Social and Cultural Work. This is Nikol\u2019s second time serving as a mentor with \u201cSamen voor een Diploma,\u201d and she will support Bas as he finds his way in higher education. Since Bas has returned to school after a long hiatus, Nikol wants to be there for him as a listening ear, a sounding board, and a supporter throughout his academic journey. <\/p>\n

What already brings them together is their passion for art and music. A great foundation for getting to know each other better and sharing experiences! <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since the start of this academic year, and thanks to recognition under the Flemish decree on sociocultural adult education, we have been working to expand the \u201cTogether for a Diploma\u201d program<\/strong>. Originally, this support was limited to Brussels students enrolled in healthcare and social services programs. Now, the support is available to students from all programs in Brussels and the Brussels suburbs. Within two years, we will also expand this support to a university town in Flanders. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finding mentors also remains a challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just as important as reaching students is finding enough mentors. Because every student who asks for support needs someone who is willing to make time to stand by their side. <\/p>\n

Mentors don\u2019t help with course material or solving exam problems. They listen, offer encouragement, brainstorm with students, and help them find their way. A conversation, a listening ear, or working together to create a realistic plan can make a world of difference for a student. <\/p>\n

That is why \u201cSamen voor een Diploma\u201d <\/strong>invests not <\/strong>only in student guidance but also in supporting mentors. Through training, peer review sessions, and personal guidance, we ensure that they feel confident in their roles. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Where can we still find students and mentors?<\/strong><\/p>\n

To reach more students, we rely on colleges and universities, instructors, academic advisors, and organizations that work with adults, job seekers, or people in training. They are often the first to come into contact with students who could use extra support. <\/p>\n

In addition, we are always looking for new mentors\u2014people who are willing to listen, contribute ideas, and support a student throughout the academic year (2 hours per<\/u> week). No teaching experience is required. <\/p>\n

Do you know someone who could use some extra support<\/a> during their studies? Or are you interested in becoming a mentor<\/a> yourself? If so, we\u2019d love to hear from you. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Earning a degree is something a student does on their own. But no one has to walk that path alone. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the start of the academic year, thousands of students are once again taking an important step toward earning their degree. For many, this new beginning brings not only expectations and ambition, but also challenges. That\u2019s why EVA bxl, through its \u201cTogether for a Degree\u201d initiative, is focusing on guidance and mentoring for students who could use a little extra support. In this article, you\u2019ll meet Bas and his mentor Nikol, one of the first pairs to participate this academic year. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":9680,"template":"","nieuws_cat":[45],"thema":[],"class_list":["post-10041","nieuws-item","type-nieuws-item","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","nieuws_cat-nieuws"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nNew academic year: Not every (working) student starts with the same opportunities - EVA bxl<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/evabxl.be\/nieuws-item\/new-academic-year-not-every-working-student-starts-with-the-same-opportunities\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"New academic year: Not every (working) student starts with the same opportunities - EVA bxl\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With the start of the academic year, thousands of students are once again taking an important step toward earning their degree. 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