UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP) has opened applications for mentor positions for summer 2024, during Summer Session II, June 26-Aug. 9. Using small, cohort-based courses with out-of-class programming and peer-mentoring, LEAP helps incoming first-year students transition to the University Park campus.
Mentors are current Penn State students who play an essential role in this transition. Planning social and academic programming, study sessions and activities are just some of the responsibilities of a mentor, who work to make the transition period as fluent and enjoyable as possible for each student.
Students interested in serving as LEAP mentors can find application information here. An information session is scheduled for 8 p.m. Jan. 24. More information about LEAP can be found at summersession.psu.edu.
Misha Zatezalo, a second-year student who served as a LEAP mentor in 2023, described her mentorship as a “great experience.” She noted the program as an opportunity to give back to students, just as she was aided in her transition to college as a first-year LEAP student.
Within LEAP, students enroll in two linked courses called "prides." They are then assigned a peer mentor based on their pride — areas of study range from graphic design, film and music to computer science and American politics — who will help them throughout the program.
As a computer science major, Zatezalo mentored the Information, People, and Technology pride (find a full list of prides here). She said she bonded with her students through the program and still keeps in contact with many of them.
"Despite the pride or area of interest, mentors plan activities, complete weekly check-ins with students and generally “make sure they are comfortable at Penn State,” said Zatezalo. Mentors are also tasked with hosting two events per week, one social and one academic, to help students bond and adapt. Zatezalo recalled one of her social events, a group bowling trip, as a fond memory of the program.
Activities planned and run by mentors allow students to get to know each other and faculty, learn about campus resources and become familiar with the campus and State College community.
“The transition from high school to college can be difficult,” Zatezalo said. “It feels good to be a helping hand.”
When asked what she most enjoyed about her experience as a mentor, Zatezalo noted the friends that she made with students and other mentors and the opportunity to meet so many new people.
Mentors not only receive an hourly wage and room and board for Summer Session II, but develop vital leadership experience, professional skills and a peer network that is beneficial far beyond LEAP and graduation.
“I am asked about [my mentor position] all the time in interviews,” Zatezalo said. “The soft skills you develop from the job are really important, a lot of recruiters look for that.”
She advises students who are considering applying to “definitely go for it,” adding that it is a great way to spend your summer and can help anyone regardless of major.
The Office for Summer Session is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State.