Student Survey Shows Dynamic Support from Kraft Center for Student Success
March 21, 2025
The Franklin Cummings Tech success team welcomed the spring semester by helping students identify the resources they need to focus on their educational journey and thrive inside and outside the classroom. As a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Franklin Cummings Tech serves a population of 73% students of color and 46% first-generation college students, and 97% of our students receive financial aid. Student support takes a high priority to boost individual learning outcomes and increase the economic impact for individuals from Boston and Gateway Cities.
The access and support provided by the Student Affairs team is all possible through the Kraft Center for Student Success and the multi-year pledge by the Kraft Family Foundation to invest in wraparound services for our students; including health and wellness support, academic coaching and tutoring, career services, financial literacy, and much more.
We polled our students to learn the most helpful services they received on their educational journey from the Kraft Center for Student Success. From academic support to resume building to guidance from success coaches, the results emphasize the holistic support Franklin Cummings Tech provides to students so they can earn college credits, enter transformative career pathways, and achieve economic mobility.
Tutoring and Homework Assistance: 37% of students responded that the Kraft Center for Student Success provided them with academic support, such as remaining on task or better understanding the material. “[It] was extremely helpful with managing certain classes and setting up a plan to work through those struggles,” said Gadi (Automotive Technology, AS ’26). The Kraft Center offers tutoring in Math, English, Computer, Electronics, and various departmental lab courses. Academic tutors are members of the faculty, so students may receive tutoring directly from their course instructors or department chairs.
Guidance from Success Coaches & Staff: 22% of students emphasized how coaching keeps them motivated and focused on their academic journey, including helping them sign up for classes. “My success coaches push me to keep my head up so I wouldn’t give up,” said Jeffrey (Practical Electricity, ’25). Upon their arrival on campus, each student is assigned an advisor who will support them through their academic career and the transition to college. The relationship between student and advisor is an integral part of a successful college experience and helps translate skills and knowledge to the workforce.
Help with Study & Scheduling: 17% of students credited the Kraft Center for Student Success with helping them establish healthy study habits and workload management. “I was able to have a place beside home to work on my homework,” said Dulce, who is an early college student earning college credits while still in high school. In addition to checking in on study habits and academic progress, success coaches help students plan ahead to register for a manageable class schedule ensuring they remain on their academic journey and gain the credits they need to graduate on time.
Health, Wellness, and Emotional Support: 15% of survey respondents said that the Kraft Center helped them manage stress to stay emotionally prepared for school. “I can always go to them for help, to ask questions and to just talk to them,” said Nicholas (Practical Electricity, ’25). “The people are very caring and supportive, helping me become the best version of myself in the future.” Strong mental and physical health is a vital component of every student’s college experience. Our on-campus resources include financial support for travel and technology, one-on-one wellness visits from our licensed social worker, and a food pantry and Career Closet for students experiencing food insecurity or needing to dress to impress for job interviews.
Resume Building & Job Preparation: 12% of students highlighted how the Kraft Center’s Office of Career Services offers to access the tools necessary to start and advance high-paying, high-demand careers in the technical and trade fields. “When I had to work on my resume, it was nice having other people go over it and tell me what I need to touch up on to make it more attractive to employers,” said Zaidyn (Electric Vehicle Technology, AS ’26). As a career-centric college, our mission is to assist students in finding employment in fields related to their major areas of study or continuing on to advanced studies. We consider our 84% 5-year average job placement rate a cornerstone of Franklin Cummings Tech’s success.
We believe authentic student-centered support empowers students to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. The support from the Kraft Center for Student Success plays an important role in our college’s 50% 3-year graduation rate, compared to 21% average for other Massachusetts colleges. We look forward to strengthening our student success resources in our new campus building, which will streamline and centralize our offerings in a new Kraft Center for Student Success.
