Jump Start is a peer mentoring program that connects students with similar backgrounds, interests, and perspectives. Students will be paired with a mentor during their first academic year to provide friendship, guidance, and support as they navigate the college experience.
JumpStart program participants will also engage in a Pre-Advantage week experience designed to foster community. Through this experience, students will discover opportunities for involvement, gain awareness of university resources, and receive tips for wellness and academic success. During their first academic year, students will be paired with a mentor who will provide friendship, guidance, and support as they navigate the college experience.
Benefits of Joining the JumpStart Program:
- Participate in a Pre-Advantage experience
- Connect with an upper-class mentor who will help you acclimate to campus
- Gain a sense of belonging and community
- Access to Academic and Support Resources will aid your success at Northwest.
Mentee Expectations
- Move in early and attend pre-advantage week programming
- Maintain regular contact with a peer mentor
- Attend academic and personal development workshops (once a month, subject to change)
- Attend social activities on/off campus
- Complete fall and spring evaluations
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
Peer Mentors serve as peer support personnel for mentees and share program goals and responsibilities to ensure student participation and retention at Northwest.
Mentor Qualifications
- Rising Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student
- Good academic with a minimum of 2.5 GPA, good judicial standing with the University
- Good interpersonal, communication, and listening skills
- Ability to empathize and provide academic and personal support to an incoming student
- Desire and interest in helping new students adjust and feel welcomed to the University
- Commitment to investing the time necessary to be an effective mentor
Mentor Expectations
- Attend and actively participate in all mentor training activities.
- Attend (monthly) in-service / mentor development sessions (Subject to change).
- Meet one-on-one with assigned mentees to discuss academic and social adjustment at the university, concerns, and successes and provide updates and beneficial information.
- Attend the JumpStart academic and social programs with mentees. Complete monthly contact forms to update the coordinators regarding the progress of your assigned mentee group.
- Participate in an end-of-year assessment.
Apply to be a Mentor until April 11, 2025. If you have questions, please contact Latonya Harrison at ldavis@nwmissouri.edu
Apply Here
