Ascent Peer Mentor Program
There is power in learning from the experiences of peers who have been there, made mistakes, learned from them, and continue thriving at Drexel. The Ascent Peer Mentorship program, which is the core of the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship's mission in creating community, fostering belonging, and empowering Drexel's first-generation students and historically underrepresented students of color, is one of the best ways to tap into that power.
Ascent Peer Mentors show up as their most authentic selves using a positive outlook, emotional intelligence, and personal experience to assist first-year, second year, and transfer students as they transition to life at Drexel, including navigating academics and co-ops, campus involvement, time management, campus resources, and more. And Ascent Peer Mentees discover that honest and judgement-free communication is helpful with creative problem solving, motivation to keep pushing forward, and understanding that you do not have to do life at Drexel alone. The Ascent Mentor-Mentee relationship is a win-win, and gives students feelings of acceptance, inclusion, respect, identity, and community.
Ascent is flexible, meeting you where you are, and you can opt in and out of the program each six-month cycle, depending on your availability and schedule. This allows you to access peer mentorship year-round, at your own pace.
How Does It Work?
First-year, second-year*, and new transfer students are Mentees. When you sign up, you will complete a brief survey to share your various identities, academic and career interests, and what you are hoping to gain from the program. Maybe you are interested in connecting with someone who is from the same place as you or you are interested in meeting with someone who can help connect you to more social opportunities and student organizations on campus. Before the program officially launches, you will also have an opportunity to look at available Mentors and let us know who you would like to work with.
Second-year students* and above are Mentors. When you sign up to be a Mentor, you will complete a brief survey to share your various identities, academic and career experiences, interests, and specifically, if anything, you are looking for in a Mentee. Maybe you would love to pass down some knowledge about the ins and outs of your major, or you would like to work with someone who shares your cultural background. The more you share in your questionnaire, the better match we can make!
*Second-year students may choose to join Ascent as a Mentor or a Mentee, depending on your personal goals and comfort level supporting another student.
Our team will then work to make compatible matches and small groups, based on the number of sign-ups we have for each cycle.
Once the program cycle begins, keep an eye on your email to learn who your Mentor or Mentee is. Mentors and Mentees will meet in person for the first time at the Ascent Introductory Meeting. After the initial introduction, Mentors and Mentees are expected to meet a total of four times — two times per academic quarter (though more meetings are encouraged!). This provides an opportunity for you to learn from and support each other over a period of six months.
At the end of the cycle, all Mentors and Mentees will gather for a celebratory dinner, reflecting on our experiences, celebrating our successes, and appreciating one another and the community we have built.
Two Ascent cycles occur during each academic year: fall/winter and spring/summer. Each cycle, you can sign up to participate for the first time, pause, or renew your membership.
Ascent Program Benefits
- Social and academic support and connections
- Sharing and transferring of knowledge
- Goal development
- Understanding and reassurances
- Community and a sense of belonging