Mentorship

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, the primary mentorship program for incoming first-year students at Penn has been reconceived as the Fostering Opportunity, Resourcefulness, Growth & Excellence (F.O.R.G.E) program.

F.O.R.G.E. (Fostering Opportunity, Resourcefulness, Growth & Excellence)—formerly known as the Gateway Student Mentorship Program—is a first-year experience program designed especially for first-generation college students at Penn. F.O.R.G.E. helps participants build community, confidence, and skills for success as they transition to life at Penn and continue to grow and thrive throughout the academic year.

During the 2026–27 academic year, F.O.R.G.E. begins with a summer bridge orientation in August 2026 and continues through May 2027.

F.O.R.G.E. Orientation

The F.O.R.G.E. experience starts with a required, immersive 3-day summer bridge orientation from August 16 to August 18, designed to help you arrive on campus feeling prepared, supported, and connected.

During the summer bridge orientation, you will:

  • Meet your Peer Guide and F.O.R.G.E. cohort.
  • Build community through interactive workshops, small group discussions, and mentoring circles.
  • Participate in a team-building off-campus experience that strengthens connection, trust, and collaboration.
  • Engage in faculty-led workshops that introduce academic expectations, classroom culture, and strategies for success at Penn.
  • Learn how to navigate campus resources and Penn systems, so you know where to go for academic, personal, and community support.
  • Develop strategies for resilience, self-advocacy, and success both in and out of the classroom.
  • Begin forming meaningful relationships that will support you throughout your first year and beyond.

The F.O.R.G.E. summer bridge orientation blends community building, mentorship, faculty engagement, and experiential learning with honest conversations about the first-generation college experience, all in a welcoming and supportive environment designed to set you up for a strong start at Penn.

Cost & Logistics

There is no fee to participate in the F.O.R.G.E. summer bridge orientation. Though attendance is required, participation is free.

The program includes:

  • Early move-in housing in your fall semester residence hall
  • All meals during the program
  • All orientation activities and events

Students are responsible only for arranging their travel to campus during the student move-in window on August 16, 2026, from 11 am–3:30 pm.

Because this program runs directly into the start of the academic year, students are expected to use their travel funding, as included in their financial aid award, to arrive early.

Students who have specific questions about their financial aid package should contact Student Registration and Financial Services at 215-898-1988.

Time Commitment

F.O.R.G.E. summer bridge orientation has a full and engaging schedule. Most days are structured with required sessions, activities, and community-building experiences, so students should expect limited free time during the program.

Students who participate in F.O.R.G.E. will not be able to take part in another Penn Pre-Orientation program.

The Year-Long Experience

Following the F.O.R.G.E. summer bridge orientation, the program continues through early May 2027 with sustained mentorship, community engagement, and structured opportunities for growth throughout your first academic year. F.O.R.G.E. is designed to support you as your needs evolve—from your first weeks on campus through the end of your first year—helping you build confidence, clarify goals, and navigate Penn with increasing independence.

Through regular connection with mentors, peers, faculty, and program staff, F.O.R.G.E. provides space to reflect on your experiences, celebrate milestones, and address challenges as they arise.

Program Highlights

  • Peer Mentorship
    Ongoing one-on-one and cohort-based meetings with an upper-level, first-generation Peer Guide who offers support, accountability, and insight based on lived experience
  • Community Circles & Workshops
    Facilitated gatherings that bring F.O.R.G.E. students together to reflect, share strategies, and connect through meaningful conversations about academics, identity, and life at Penn. These sessions provide space to learn from peers, build confidence, and strengthen community. Sample session topics include:

    • Thriving Academically at Penn
    • Finding Community at Penn
    • Exploring Summer Opportunities
    • Study Halls
    • And more!
  • Faculty Connection: Opportunities to connect with Faculty Fellows through workshops, discussions, and Peer Guide–supported engagement
  • Social & Community Events: Intentional social programming that fosters connection across the F.O.R.G.E. community

Eligibility

F.O.R.G.E. is open to incoming first-year students who identify as first-generation to college who feel that they would benefit from this program.

Students accepted into the Pre-First-Year Program (PFP) are not eligible to participate in F.O.R.G.E. PFP students will be paired with mentors through PFP and PennCAP.

Invitation Process

Students who are eligible for the F.O.R.G.E. program in the upcoming academic year will receive an invitation by early/mid June.

Interested in Becoming a Peer Guide?

F.O.R.G.E. Peer Guide applications will open in mid-February 2027 and close mid-March on the Penn Handshake platform.

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