UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Alumni Association is seeking alumni and Penn State faculty and staff to serve as mentors for the FastStart mentoring program during the 2026-27 academic year.
FastStart pairs each participating first-year student with two mentors — one Penn State alum and one Penn State faculty or staff member — to help students build confidence, expand their network, and navigate the transition to college. Starting college can be challenging, and guidance from people who have already been through the experience can help new students succeed.
"Mentors play a critical role in this program," said Jessica Dunlow, associate director of affinity engagement. "By sharing their experiences and offering encouragement, they help students feel connected, supported and empowered throughout their first year."
Alumni and faculty or staff interested in becoming a FastStart mentor can learn more about the program and register online by Aug. 15 to participate during the 2026-27 academic year.
For more than 150 years, the Penn State Alumni Association has provided alumni with a strong and welcoming community representative of the Penn Staters it proudly serves. The association keeps alumni connected to the University and to each other, while upholding Penn State traditions and supporting the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. The association also produces the award-winning Penn Stater magazine and other publications, and offers alumni and friends volunteer opportunities, educational programming, and many other services. For more information about membership in the Alumni Association, visit alumni.psu.edu/youbelong.