Princeton University Mentoring Program

Mission

Sponsored by the Carl A. Fields Center, the Princeton University Mentoring Program (PUMP) is a internationally certified mentoring program for students of color designed to assist first-year students in their academic, cultural, and social acclimation to Princeton. PUMP pairs each first-year student (mentee) with a sophomore, junior or senior who serves as a peer mentor to help mentees navigate campus life and create a network of support. Each student mentor/mentee pair is also matched with a Princeton alumni of color mentor.

Through this program, mentees gain a sense of belonging and community, participate in academic workshops and social activities, increase their knowledge of campus resources, and build connections with peers, campus professionals, and alumni.

Peer Mentor/Mentee Relationship

PUMP offers one-on-one mentoring. Each mentee is paired with a peer mentor based on several factors including intended major, professional interests, hobbies, hometown, race, ethnicity, gender, and languages spoken. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet regularly for 3-4 hours per month throughout the academic year.

Peer Mentors are often able to offer guidance on:

Academic Issues (course selection, time management, campus resources and services)

Campus Involvement (organizations, athletics, intramurals, etc.)
Professional Development (internship/summer opportunities, networking, career advice)
Relationship Building (with faculty, campus professionals, and alumni)
Social Issues (roommates, friends, family, etc.)

To further enhance the mentor/mentee relationship, PUMP also offers educational workshops, study breaks, off-campus trips, and monthly socials.

Alumni of Color Mentors

Each student mentor/mentee pair is also matched with a Princeton alumni of color mentor for the duration of the academic year. Alumni mentors can serve as role models, provide opportunities for personal and professional development, and help guide two students of color (peer mentor and mentee) through their academic, social, and cultural journey at Princeton.

The Alumni of Color Mentor interest form is now open and alumni mentors will be matched based on a combination of factors ranked in the interest forms by alumni mentors, student mentors, and student mentees.

Applications

MENTEE INTEREST FORM

The 2023-2024 mentee interest form is now open and will close on Sunday, September 10 or when all spots have been filled, whichever occurs first: bit.ly/PUMPmentee23. This will be for any incoming student of color in the Class of 2027 interested in having a peer mentor and alumni mentor.

ALUMNI INTEREST FORM

The Alumni Mentor interest form is now open and will close on Sunday, September 17, 2023: bit.ly/PUMP2023. This will be for any Princeton alumni of color who is interested in serving as an alumni mentor for a PUMP mentor/mentee pair.