The Summer Advisory System: A Legacy of Leadership

For four decades, the Summer Advisory System has stood as one of the defining traditions of Prep for Prep. It’s a program that embodies leadership, community, and the spirit of giving back. What began as a structured way to support students through the Preparatory Component has grown into a living tradition that shapes the experience of every generation of Prep for Prep students.

“The Summer Advisory System is the backbone of the program,” says Nikole Smith, Director of Academic Programs. “Advisors are tangible examples of what is possible as members of this powerful community. They embody the motto and core values of Prep for Prep—Excellence, Integrity, Commitment, Courage, and Community.”

The Summer Advisory System serves two vital purposes. First, it guides students through the academic and social transition of the Preparatory Component. Second, it cultivates leadership among the advisors themselves. Advisors become mentors, role models, and ambassadors for the Prep for Prep mission. They are the eyes and ears of the summer program, connecting students, families, and staff, and ensuring every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.

In practice, this means leading small groups through lessons and enrichment activities, organizing unit exercises and community-building initiatives, and providing individualized guidance to help students navigate challenges. Advisors gain hands-on experience in leadership, organization, conflict resolution, and communication, learning skills that extend far beyond a single summer. By offering mentorship grounded in empathy, they help students feel seen and supported while also modeling resilience, collaboration, and accountability. 

Jemina Bernard (IX/Trinity, Yale) MBA, Columbia, who was a Head Advisor from 1994 to 1995, reflects on the impact advisors can have on students: “I like to think that I helped [students] adjust to the rigor of Prep while also building community with their peers, teachers, and other advisors.”

When the advisory program for Prep students began in 1985, advisors were selected from among students who demonstrated a strong ability to guide and support young people. This brought many passionate mentors into the Prep for Prep community. Nikole, for example, first joined Prep for Prep as a PREP 9 advisor when she was a high school student at St. Andrew’s, one of the original PREP 9 consortium schools.

The PREP 9 Advisory System, which launched in 1988, extended the original model to address the unique challenges faced by students preparing for boarding schools, including living away from home for the first time, adjusting to rigorous academics, and building independence in unfamiliar settings. The PREP 9 advisory program mirrored the core principles of the original system while tailoring its approach to foster self-reliance, adaptability, and confidence.

The shift to an advisory system led by graduates of the Preparatory Component began in 1989. These advisors brought with them a lived understanding of the program, an authentic connection to the students they served, and a profound sense of loyalty to the Prep for Prep community.

“Being part of the advisory system instilled in me the importance of active listening, building relationships, and the power of empathy, culture, and community to create shared success,” says Elbert Garcia (IX/Fieldston, Columbia) MPA, CUNY Baruch, who served as a Head Advisor from 1993 to 1997. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead, grow with talented colleagues, and learn the practical difference between managing and leading within institutions.”

Today, the Summer Advisory System continues to provide students with structured guidance and support. Advisors cultivate an environment where students can navigate challenges, develop confidence, and grow as emerging leaders. Prep for Prep also has school-year advisors who provide ongoing mentorship and support throughout the academic year, reinforcing leadership development and student growth beyond the summer months.

Nicole Leonardo (P9 XXXIV/Hill, U Albany), the PREP 9 Head Advisor in 2025, reflects on her experience guiding students: “I made other students feel seen and let them know it’s okay not always to get an A. It’s okay to struggle because that means you are doing it right.”

She adds, “Serving as Head Advisor allowed me to discover myself and my limits in a work setting. Professionally, I gained experience in leading meetings, conflict resolution, managing duties, payroll, and more. It cemented my passion for human resources and my hope to have a career in HR.”

The Summer Advisory System has evolved to meet the needs of new generations while remaining true to its mission. It ensures every student has the guidance, confidence, and inspiration to succeed, and every advisor has the opportunity to develop as a leader. “Seeing several of my own students come back as advisors always brought me joy,” says Jemina. “It is a reminder of the lasting impact of mentorship and the cycle of leadership, support, and community that reaches far beyond a single summer.”