Becoming an IGNITE Mentee

The IGNITE Pre-Health Mentoring Program is a year-long peer support/mentor program designed to help new pre-health, first-generation college students transition to PSU from high school and community college. Students enrolled in this program will become active members of the campus community and build knowledge, experience and skills that will lead to continuing success beyond their first year at PSU. 


Our program understands that being on the pre-health track can be challenging and that students may encounter imposter syndrome, especially during their first year. As a year-long program, the IGNITE Pre-Health Mentoring Program seeks to encourage and help students pursue academic self efficacy and navigate the nuances of higher-ed and preparation for health careers. Through our program, students join a supportive community and are provided with opportunities, resources and support that contribute to their development as successful pre-health students and leaders.
 

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Be a new, incoming student at Portland State in the fall (this includes community college transfer students)
  • Be admitted to Portland State University
  • Have an incoming GPA of 2.75 or higher (high school or community college)
  • Be enrolled in an approved pre-health track
  • Be a first-generation college student (meaning that neither parent/guardian has graduated and received a Bachelor’s degree or higher)
  • Not be enrolled in other mentoring programs or participating in NCAA Athletics

APPLICATION INFO:

To successfully apply, please submit all of the following together:

  • A completed application
  • A copy of your required personal responses
  • A copy of your letter of admission to Portland State University
  • A copy of an unofficial high school transcript (incoming freshmen)
  • A copy of an unofficial community college transcript (incoming transfer student)

Applications are due on September 1, 2024.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM:

  • Financial support for first year (fall, winter, spring)
  • Assigned Pre-Health Peer Mentor
  • General academic advising and career navigation
  • Professional development and social events
  • Access to CIMR student lounge with kitchenette (Cramer Hall)
  • Access to supportive pre-health community
  • Mentee orientation session
  • Assistance with financial aid and scholarships

IN-PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

If accepted into the program, all mentees are required to: 

  • Attend an intake appointment to discuss details of the program
  • Be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours each quarter
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 (quarterly & cumulative) 
  • Participate in the IGNITE Orientation (week before fall quarter)
  • Participate in PSU’s New Student Orientation Program (summer sessions) 
  • Meet once a week with designated IGNITE Mentor
  • Meet once a term with designated IGNITE Academic Advisor
  • Meet once a term with designated Pre-Health Advisor
  • Seek out and apply for at least 3 scholarships
  • Attend mandatory programs, events, activities and workshops 
  • Submit quarterly Progress Reports
  • Complete assignments given by the IGNITE Program

Updated on: June 18, 2024