By Dakota Galvin, USF College of Arts and Sciences
When Madison Pollino, director of public speaking in the Department of Communication, was asked by a colleague to help strengthen a mentorship program for marginalized
youth, she accepted without hesitation.
Escalando Nuestro Futuro is a 12-week mentorship program designed by the Hispanic Services Council and aimed toward middle school students from marginalized Hispanic communities. Many of these students and their families are refugees who have lived in the United States for less than two years. Their parents often have a limited understanding of the U.S. education system and may lack the resources or experiences needed to support their children's academic success.
Dr. Pollino at Escalando Nuestro Futuro’s graduation ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Madison Pollino)
Escalando Nuestro Futuro helps students navigate the critical transition from middle school to high school and eventually to college by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their dream careers — just like their peers.
“I welcomed the opportunity to bridge the gap between my work in higher education and my community, and to translate my teaching practice so that I could make my knowledge and experience with public speaking accessible to younger students,” Pollino said.
Along with creating a public speaking curriculum for the students, Pollino also led workshops focused on how to organize presentations, prepare engaging and accessible delivery, and navigate anxiety related to public speaking.
She also brought the students to USF’s Tampa campus, where they sat in on a college-level public speaking class and practiced their presentations before their graduation ceremony.
The experience resonated with Pollino, who was the first in her family to go to college. “I’m a first-generation college student of a single mother,” Pollino shared. “I remember how difficult it was to navigate my education when I didn’t know what I didn’t know. As an assistant professor of instruction and director of public speaking, I can be a source of support for these students and their families.”
Students who participated in the program experienced a transformation, not only in their communication skills but also in the confidence they had on stage.
“I witnessed firsthand how the dream of attending a university motivated the younger students to push through their fear and continue moving forward,” Pollino said. And move forward, they will.
The Spring 2025 mentorship starts this month. Pollino is dedicated to guiding new students and helping them build confidence and communication skills as they pursue their dreams. Her mentorship is set to make a lasting impact on their lives and families.
Learn more about how you can get involved with the Hispanic Services Council.