Supporting Student Success from Day One
Penn State Altoona is pleased to offer Lion for Life, a campus-wide mentoring program developed in partnership with Mentor Collective. As part of the Lion for Life: Start Strong phase, incoming first-year students are matched with trained mentors—experienced second-, third-, and fourth-year students—who offer practical advice, encouragement, and a friendly face on campus.
Why Mentoring Matters
Mentor Collective data shows that students in active mentoring relationships experience:
- +8% increase in sense of belonging
- +5.7% increase in retention
- 30% lower likelihood of “melting” before college begins
For many students—especially those new to higher education or far from home—having someone to ask questions of and learn from can make all the difference.
Phase One: Start Strong
In Start Strong—the first stage of the Lion for Life program—first-year students can explore mentorship with upper-division students to navigate the transition to college.
How Matching Works
- Short survey: Mentors and mentees share backgrounds, interests, and goals.
- Smart matches: Pairing prioritizes what matters most to the student (academic interests, lived experiences, personal goals).
- Flexible communication: Text, email, video, or in-person—whatever works best for the pair.
- Recommended cadence: At least two check-ins per month.
Timeline and Commitment
- Program window: Launches in fall and runs through the end of the spring semester.
- Beyond the program: Many mentoring relationships continue informally after the official end date.
Benefits
- Build confidence and a sense of belonging
- Navigate academics, campus life, and time management
- Get involved in activities and opportunities
- Develop supportive connections across Penn State Altoona
Phase Two: Finish Strong
In Finish Strong—the second stage of the Lion for Life program—third- and fourth-year students can explore mentorship with Penn State alumni and community members as they prepare for graduation and next steps.
How Matching Works
- Short survey: Mentors and mentees share backgrounds, career interests, and goals.
- Smart matches: Pairing prioritizes what matters most to the student (career interests, lived experiences, professional goals).
- Flexible communication: Text, email, video, or in-person—whatever works best for the pair.
- Recommended cadence: At least one check-in per month.
Timeline and Commitment
- Program window: Launches in fall and runs through the end of the spring semester.
- Beyond the program: Many mentoring relationships continue informally after the official end date.
Benefits
- Receive personalized career advice from experienced professionals
- Expand your professional network
- Learn about career paths, workplace expectations, and industry trends
- Increase confidence and readiness for life after graduation
Get involved
- Incoming Students: Watch for your match and say yes to your first check-in.
- Alumni, community members, and upper-division students: Share your experience—become a mentor and make a direct impact on first-year success.
Contact
Questions or ready to participate? Contact the Lion for Life team at [email protected].