What are you doing for the summer? Want a chance to meet new people?
How about helping first-year students adjust to Penn State?

Become a Mentor for the LEAP program!

What's LEAP?

LEAP's an academic program designed to give first-year students an academic and personal edge at Penn State. Over 500 students will have a small college experience while taking classes and living as a community in the same residence hall, and YOU can be a part of that. The LEAP program runs during the second six-week summer session every year, from late June to early August. (For actual dates see the Registrar's Calendar.)

So what's a Mentor?

You! An undergrad that acts as an academic coach and role model for new first-year students. You'll help them learn how to succeed at Penn State, working with them to figure out the library, computers and time management. You'll also get a chance to help them learn teamwork, polish up their academic skills, and make friends. Finally, you'll get a chance to work with faculty on designing the linked courses the first-year students will experience. To help you feel a part of the LEAP program, you'll live in a single room in the same residence area as the LEAP students. Mentors can register for up to 4 credits and work up to 10 hours per week in an outside job while they are mentors.

Consider being a mentor for next Summer!

If this opportunity sounds good to you, make plans to apply for a LEAP mentor position for next summer. Applications are accepted in October of each year for the summer for the next year. Send an email to leaps@psu.edu for information.

So what's in it for you?

• 600 bucks
• A great experience (especially for your resume)
• A chance to work with faculty (and maybe get some recommendation letters)
• Free single room in a residence hall and a summer board plan
• One credit class in leadership and group skills

So what qualifications do I need?

• Successful completion of at least 24 University credits at the end of spring semester
• Completion of 1 credit training course during spring semester
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of library research techniques
• An interest in collaborative learning and teamwork
• Good conduct standing with the University

So how do you apply?

Simple! Email leaps@psu.edu and request an application. You will get a return email with a copy of the Mentor Agreement you will sign if you get the job. It outlines the job responsibilities and the compensation. You will also get a copy of the Mentor Application, which you can fill out and mail or deliver to LEAP, 105 Boucke Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802-5902.