Meet Mary Jacobs, Program Director at NCS Scholars: LIC

This fall, the first cohort of Medgar Evers College students moved into NCS’s newest residential program, NCS Scholars. The program may be new, but it’s directed by a familiar face: Mary Jacobs (nèe Clark)! 

Mary worked at Louis Nine House, NCS’s young adult supportive residence, since 2016, first as a Case Manager and then as the Senior Case Manager. “I love working with young adults who have experienced homelessness,” she shared. “I love helping them break down barriers and helping them reach their goals.” 

But working with young adults at NCS is not Mary’s sole experience in the field. She was also a residential advisor for two years while an undergrad at SUNY Brockport. “I had originally wanted to go into residential life but ended up going into social work instead. When I learned that NCS was launching this program, I was so excited and knew I needed to be a part of it.” 

Mary is also aware of how life treats everyone differently. “I grew up in the Bronx, about 10 minutes away from Louis Nine House. Anyone I grew up with could have been in this situation. I’ve never heard of housing like this for homeless college students before, and I am so happy NCS is working to fill this void.” 

There is a great need for programs like NCS Scholars. Fifty-five percent of CUNY students have experienced housing insecurity, and 14% have experienced homelessness, according to a 2019 study by Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice. NCS is proud to pioneer a solution to this problem, and we are so grateful to have Mary leading the way.