Since 2006 the Provost Summer Mentorship Program has supported approximately 325 local high school students. Students attending this four week innovative college-career immersion program have the opportunity to participate in Five of Penn's professional schools (Dental, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Nursing). Over the course of the program, the participants gain first-hand exposure to an academic discipline and a variety of career opportunities connected with that field. SMP sessions are specifically designed to enable the participant to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education so that they may achieve their career aspirations. Under the guidance of senior administrators, faculty members and graduate student coordinators, the participants are exposed to a wide range of activities on campus such as college level science courses, hands-on laboratory experience, research projects and other exciting educational activities.
Ms. Alexis White, SMP Alum 2011, is currently entering her 2nd year at American University. Alexis came to our program as an academically sound student but lack self-confidence and the drive to imagine herself at a prestigious university. After completing our program, Alexis was off to American University with the necessary skills and drive to succeed. Now as a sophomore, she is in the process of developing a pre-college pipeline program for 1st generation students in the Washington, D.C. area.