PEER (Promoting Enriching Experiences and Relationships) is a year-long mentorship program that helps Asian Pacific Islander (API) first-year students—including students who identify as South Asian, Southeast Asian, international, LGBTQIA+, first-generation, low-income, disabled—adjust to college life and find their niche at Penn. First-year students are assigned an upperclassman (junior/senior) mentor, and along with the entire PEER class, they learn about leadership, community, and service through their experiences with the program along with the opportunities provided by the extensive PEER alumni network.
During the year, we focus on academic & professional success, identity & personal development, reflection & emotional health, belonging, and community consciousness. In addition, at the beginning of both the fall & spring semesters, all mentors and mentees attend an off-campus mandatory retreat (free to attend) that allows PEER members to bond with each other and develop the support system that is central to the program.
Our mentors are a group of diverse and strong leaders who have been carefully selected to guide new students. Past mentees emphasize the huge role that the PEER community has played in helping them find a family on-campus and discover their sense of self. Check out our website to learn more and read about member's experience.