Program Overview

Introduction to the IGNITE Pre-Health Mentoring Program

The IGNITE Pre-Health Mentoring Program is a year-long peer support and mentor program designed to help new pre-health, first-generation college students transition to Portland State University (PSU) from high school and community college. The role of the IGNITE Mentor is to help students enrolled in this program become active members of the campus community and acquire skills and tools that will lead to their continuing success beyond their first year at PSU.

Program Description

IGNITE Pre-Health Mentors understand that being on the pre-health track can be challenging and new students may encounter imposter syndrome, especially during their first year at PSU. As a year-long program, the IGNITE Pre-Health Mentors encourage and help these new pre-health students pursue academic self-efficacy, advocate for themselves, and navigate the nuances of higher education. Through our program, students will be provided with opportunities to gain various skills, tools, resources, and support, and a sense of community that contributes to their development as a successful pre-health student.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the IGNITE Pre-Health Mentoring Program, applicants must:

• Have more than 36 credit hours remaining at the beginning of the fall term
• Have a GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Be enrolled in an approved pre-health track
• Note: UNST Mentors, Resident Assistants, Learning Community Assistants, Undergraduate Researchers, Student Ambassadors, and students participating in NCAA Athletics will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Information

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

• A completed application
• A copy of your required personal responses

Benefits of Being a Mentor

The benefits of being an IGNITE Mentor include:

• Financial support for one year (fall, winter, spring)
• Mentoring and leadership training
• General academic advising and career navigation
• Professional development and social events
• Access to the SPH Student Success Center, which includes computer workstations, quiet study areas, coffee/tea, and a lending library (Vanport 6th floor)
• Access to a supportive pre-health community
• Assistance with financial aid, scholarships, and professional school applications

In-Program Requirements

All mentors are required to:

• Be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours each quarter
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (quarterly and cumulative)
• Participate in the IGNITE Mentor Orientation and Training (spring quarter)
• Participate in the IGNITE Orientation (week before fall quarter)
• Meet once a week with designated IGNITE Mentee
• Meet once a term with designated IGNITE Academic Advisor
• Meet once a term with designated Pre-Health Advisor
• Attend monthly mentor meetings with IGNITE Coordinator and Lead Mentors
• Seek out and apply for at least 3 scholarships for the fall quarter
• Attend mandatory programs, events, activities, and workshops
• Submit quarterly Progress Reports
• Complete assignments given by the IGNITE Program